Try using Dell diagnostics extended test on the hard drive, instructions dor using should be in your owner's manual. You could also, go to the manufacturer's website and download their diagnostic software to a floppy.
To add to Bev's suggestions, the model of the drive should be listed in device manager. One option for checking the drive is to use the Dell 90-90 diagnostics, which are built into the BIOS. Reboot your computer. At the Dell blue logo screen, press the Ctrl + Alt + D keys at the same time. The computer beeps once to acknowledge that the hard drive diagnostics have been initiated and the following message appears:
The test may take up to three minutes to run the diagnostics (the time is dependent upon size and speed of drive). When the diagnostics are complete, one of the following messages appears:
IDE Diagnostics running, please wait
Primary
Drive 0: (Drive Model) - Pass
Drive 1: No IDE Device
-OR-
Secondary
Drive 0: (CD-ROM Model) - Diagnostics not supported
Drive 1: No IDE Device
Test complete, Press to reboot
shesagordie
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August 26th, 2005 17:00
osprey4
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August 26th, 2005 17:00
IDE Diagnostics running, please wait
Primary
Drive 0: (Drive Model) -
The test may take up to three minutes to run the diagnostics (the time is dependent upon size and speed of drive). When the diagnostics are complete, one of the following messages appears:
IDE Diagnostics running, please wait
Primary
Drive 0: (Drive Model) - Pass
Drive 1: No IDE Device
-OR-
Secondary
Drive 0: (CD-ROM Model) - Diagnostics not supported
Drive 1: No IDE Device
Test complete, Press to reboot
Press the key and restart the computer.