After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
Diagnostics can also, be run from the Drivers and Utilities Resource CD.
When the Dell PC restore by Symantec utility is used. all the data is removed from the hard drive, you need to make backups of anything, you wish to save prior to it's use.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Yes, it means the drive has failed. Replace it, reload Windows and purchase a second SATA cable - once the system is running again, attach the faulty drive as a secondary and see what you can read from it. It may be possible to retrieve some or all of your data from the dying drive.
I have run the Dell Diagnostics as suggested and the HD failed with multiple failure messages on each of the HD specific test. Does this mean the HD has failed?
Is their a way to retreive the data from the HD if in fact it has failed?
Is their a good procedure for you can reference me to for replacing the HD? I have seen some in other messages.
Also what do I buy to replace this one? My order acknowledgement list this ine as: 160GB, Serial ATA, #1, generic, Dimension. The diagnostics list it as: MAXTOR 6Y160MO
You can install any 3.5", 7200rpm SATA hard drive, you can buy the replacement from most online or local computer stores. Check the warranty, there's one to five years on hard drive, personally I prefer either Seagate or Western Digital drives.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Just went an bought a WD Caviar SE16 320GB. I am at work so not by my 8400. I opened the new HD box and there is no PS cable, do I need one? Or does the 8400 have a spare power connector built into it? I looked at the Dell 8400 Manual on line for the 8400 but it doesn't seem to indicate this either way. If I need one I'll stop on the way home to buy it.
Also what is the recommended procedure for setting up the new HD? Can I use the CD\DVD that came with my computer to do this? Is there a procedure you can point me to somewhere? The goal will be to install the new drive, get it running the system then install the old drive and to try to read the data from it (hopefully!).
The 8400 has SATA power connectors for two SATA hard drives inside the case. You will need an additional SATA date cable.
The Dell OEM XP reinstallation disc, can be used to reinstall windows, but do you have the Dell Drivers & Utilities, a Dell Resources and and Applications CD's?
The directions for replacing the primary SATA hard drive are
here.
How to reinstall XP.
First, disconnect all the peripherals from the system except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
How to configure a Dell Dimension series system to boot to the
CD or DVD drive.
This XP reinstallation
guide is excellent, or you can use Dell's Restallation Guide
here.
While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP.
Note: Remember to read the additional steps required for the dimension 8400.
Try to note the type of hardware devices you have, prior to reinstalling the operating system. This can help you select and install the correct drivers and applications.
After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the following order,
Desktop System Software [if applicable]
Chipset
Video
Network Interface Card [NIC]
Audio
Modem
All other drivers.
Then, install the Anti Virus utility and update the definitions, followed by all the critical Microsoft updates.
After you have installed the new 320gb drive and reloaded windows and the system is working to your satisfaction, then install the 'old' hard drive as the secondary.
After the hard drive is installed, enter the BIOS setup and check that the drive is set to "On/Auto" [enabled]
Connect the SATA data cable to the motherboard connector, SATA-1.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
I've physically installed the new HD. Should I use the WD Data Lifeguard Tools to set up the new HD or the Windows CD? Are there some advantages to the WD tools specific to their HD?
Also a friend told me to install XP in a partition different from the partion where programs and data are installed. He calims that will keep the data safer as the "operating system" partition is the one that seems to have problems more times than not. Does that make any sense and if so how big a partion to make the OS partition.
You can use the Data Lifeguard Tools to image a working hard drive to the new replacement, also I believe it has the WDC diagnotics on it. As your hard drive does not run, you cannot image it.
Use the directions, I posted for reinstalling XP.
There's no advantage to installing the operating system on the different partition, if the hard drive fails, both partitions are lost.
I find that installing a second hard drive and using a cloning utility, like Acronis True Image 11 Home and regularly cloning to C:/ drive to the secondary hard drive, gives far better security against data lost and failing hard drives.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
I installed the HD, Installed XP, installed the Drivers and Utilities on the Drivers and Resource CD, Installed McAfee, got my cable modem back up and running, and tried to do Windows Update. It seemed to do an update and then restarted the computer. Now it stop on start up with a Blue Screen and says:
I found more restore points (it is after midnight!) looks like it was caused when the Visual InSight driver or the Modem helper program were installed (confusing because restore point seems to indicate it does a restore to the point before the item you select). Anyway when I restore by clicking on the modem helper it seems to now boot again. However I lost my Anti Virus and VPN installation. I'm going to bed as it is now 1:20. will fight this again tomorrow.
I'm jumping in here a day late, but I had the same error message, the same computer and the #7 hard drive failure message. Someone in another thread suggested the software Spinrite. I bought it and it worked. In my limited understanding, it runs a free dos program under windows and works to recover the drive. My computer is up and running; I backed up my files and everything seems to be OK. Replacing the drive is probably the best bet, as suggested. But if anyone has files they can't afford to lose, this is a possible solution.
The Computer is setup with the new hard drive. Late yesterday I then installed the old hard drive hooked it up to SATA-1. Powered up , went into BIOS setup and set the SATA-1 to ON and Exit/Save and when sytem booted it suggested that the drive be checke with chkdsk. It ran all night with lots of error message found but finally let me boot into XP this AM. The computer runs real sluggish but sort of works. When I look at the system with Explorer it see the drive as G: but when I try to acess G: I get error message:
G:\ is not acessible The request could not be performed because of an I/O error.
I tried to restart and disable the drive in the BIOS and the system seems to run normal. Then re enabled it and same problems as above.
So any ideas of other things to try? I really would like to get the data I can off that drive!
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Yes the system seems to work Ok with out the second drive enabled. One point is I do have the second drive connected to SATA-1 not SATA-2 as you say below, does that matter?
Also does anyone offer this software on a test basis to see if it can even read the drive? If that was the case I would be willing to then buy (depending on the price) the software to recover the data. Seems to me this would be a good way to do this.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
April 13th, 2008 19:00
The error message can be caused by a failing hard drive.
Try using Dell diagnostic's extended test, read, write, verify, on the hard drive, not the quickie express test.
How to use Dell's Diagnostic Utility
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
Diagnostics can also, be run from the Drivers and Utilities Resource CD.
When the Dell PC restore by Symantec utility is used. all the data is removed from the hard drive, you need to make backups of anything, you wish to save prior to it's use.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 00:00
Yes, it means the drive has failed. Replace it, reload Windows and purchase a second SATA cable - once the system is running again, attach the faulty drive as a secondary and see what you can read from it. It may be possible to retrieve some or all of your data from the dying drive.
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 00:00
I have run the Dell Diagnostics as suggested and the HD failed with multiple failure messages on each of the HD specific test. Does this mean the HD has failed?
Is their a way to retreive the data from the HD if in fact it has failed?
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 01:00
Is their a good procedure for you can reference me to for replacing the HD? I have seen some in other messages.
Also what do I buy to replace this one? My order acknowledgement list this ine as: 160GB, Serial ATA, #1, generic, Dimension. The diagnostics list it as: MAXTOR 6Y160MO
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 01:00
You can install any 3.5", 7200rpm SATA hard drive, you can buy the replacement from most online or local computer stores. Check the warranty, there's one to five years on hard drive, personally I prefer either Seagate or Western Digital drives.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 18:00
Just went an bought a WD Caviar SE16 320GB. I am at work so not by my 8400. I opened the new HD box and there is no PS cable, do I need one? Or does the 8400 have a spare power connector built into it? I looked at the Dell 8400 Manual on line for the 8400 but it doesn't seem to indicate this either way. If I need one I'll stop on the way home to buy it.
Also what is the recommended procedure for setting up the new HD? Can I use the CD\DVD that came with my computer to do this? Is there a procedure you can point me to somewhere? The goal will be to install the new drive, get it running the system then install the old drive and to try to read the data from it (hopefully!).
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 19:00
The 8400 has SATA power connectors for two SATA hard drives inside the case. You will need an additional SATA date cable.
The Dell OEM XP reinstallation disc, can be used to reinstall windows, but do you have the Dell Drivers & Utilities, a Dell Resources and and Applications CD's?
The directions for replacing the primary SATA hard drive are here.
How to reinstall XP.
First, disconnect all the peripherals from the system except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
How to configure a Dell Dimension series system to boot to the CD or DVD drive.
This XP reinstallation guide is excellent, or you can use Dell's Restallation Guide here.
While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP.
Note: Remember to read the additional steps required for the dimension 8400.
Try to note the type of hardware devices you have, prior to reinstalling the operating system. This can help you select and install the correct drivers and applications.
After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the following order,
Desktop System Software [if applicable]
Chipset
Video
Network Interface Card [NIC]
Audio
Modem
All other drivers.
Then, install the Anti Virus utility and update the definitions, followed by all the critical Microsoft updates.
After you have installed the new 320gb drive and reloaded windows and the system is working to your satisfaction, then install the 'old' hard drive as the secondary.
After the hard drive is installed, enter the BIOS setup and check that the drive is set to "On/Auto" [enabled]
Connect the SATA data cable to the motherboard connector, SATA-1.
See here
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 14th, 2008 23:00
I've physically installed the new HD. Should I use the WD Data Lifeguard Tools to set up the new HD or the Windows CD? Are there some advantages to the WD tools specific to their HD?
Also a friend told me to install XP in a partition different from the partion where programs and data are installed. He calims that will keep the data safer as the "operating system" partition is the one that seems to have problems more times than not. Does that make any sense and if so how big a partion to make the OS partition.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
April 15th, 2008 02:00
You can use the Data Lifeguard Tools to image a working hard drive to the new replacement, also I believe it has the WDC diagnotics on it. As your hard drive does not run, you cannot image it.
Use the directions, I posted for reinstalling XP.
There's no advantage to installing the operating system on the different partition, if the hard drive fails, both partitions are lost.
I find that installing a second hard drive and using a cloning utility, like Acronis True Image 11 Home and regularly cloning to C:/ drive to the secondary hard drive, gives far better security against data lost and failing hard drives.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 15th, 2008 04:00
I installed the HD, Installed XP, installed the Drivers and Utilities on the Drivers and Resource CD, Installed McAfee, got my cable modem back up and running, and tried to do Windows Update. It seemed to do an update and then restarted the computer. Now it stop on start up with a Blue Screen and says:
Technical Information:
*** Stop: 0x0000007E (0xc0000005, 0x00000000, OxF7A2D0c0, 0xF7A2CDBC)
I tried to go back one and two different System Restore point settings (only two are available) but that di not help. Any ideas what to do next?
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 15th, 2008 04:00
Fino434
18 Posts
0
April 15th, 2008 13:00
Hi!
I'm jumping in here a day late, but I had the same error message, the same computer and the #7 hard drive failure message. Someone in another thread suggested the software Spinrite. I bought it and it worked. In my limited understanding, it runs a free dos program under windows and works to recover the drive. My computer is up and running; I backed up my files and everything seems to be OK. Replacing the drive is probably the best bet, as suggested. But if anyone has files they can't afford to lose, this is a possible solution.
Good luck!
Renee
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 17th, 2008 23:00
The Computer is setup with the new hard drive. Late yesterday I then installed the old hard drive hooked it up to SATA-1. Powered up , went into BIOS setup and set the SATA-1 to ON and Exit/Save and when sytem booted it suggested that the drive be checke with chkdsk. It ran all night with lots of error message found but finally let me boot into XP this AM. The computer runs real sluggish but sort of works. When I look at the system with Explorer it see the drive as G: but when I try to acess G: I get error message:
G:\ is not acessible The request could not be performed because of an I/O error.
I tried to restart and disable the drive in the BIOS and the system seems to run normal. Then re enabled it and same problems as above.
So any ideas of other things to try? I really would like to get the data I can off that drive!
Any other procedures and or programs to try?
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
April 18th, 2008 01:00
Does the system work correctly with only the new C:/ hard drive installed?
If it does, then it would seem that the 'old' hard drive connected to SATA2, is too damaged to transfer the files.
You could try using SpinRite on the G:/ drive, but this utility is not cheap @ $89.
See here
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
ZIEMRP
9 Posts
0
April 18th, 2008 12:00
Yes the system seems to work Ok with out the second drive enabled. One point is I do have the second drive connected to SATA-1 not SATA-2 as you say below, does that matter?
Also does anyone offer this software on a test basis to see if it can even read the drive? If that was the case I would be willing to then buy (depending on the price) the software to recover the data. Seems to me this would be a good way to do this.