Dell Inspiron 530S Diskette Drive 0 Seek Failure? Now it wont boot?

Question

I am working on a Dell Inspiron 530S and at first it wouldnt turn on so i replaced the powersupply and motherboard and now it would boot and say 'Diskette Drive 0 Seek Failure F1 to continue F2 for setup' It doesnt not have a floppy and i have changed the settings to turn off the floppy, still no go. I reset CMOS, still no go. I have changed all the sata cables, still no go. I am stumped. Now the computer will only come on when i reset CMOS and even then sometimes it wont load to the screen or let my mouse and key board work? What should i try next?

osprey4 · Answer

Hi Jetta555, If you are unable to save settings in the BIOS, that points to a bad motherboard battery.

osprey4 · Answer

First, let me understand. Did you replace an old 530S motherboard with a new 530S motherboard?

jetta555 · Answer

do you think the motherboard battery would cause the other problems with the computer loosing it connecting to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

jetta555 · Answer

yes i did and i replaced the battery in the new board as well and still nothing

cpunoob · Answer

I'm having the same problem, except I haven't replaced anything.  I have a Dell Inspiron 530.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi cpunoob, Same problem meaning what?

LooziAnna · Answer

We have a similar problem with my husband's computer.  Dimension 4550; it DOES have a floppy drive. Had it on this morning working fine; later in 'sleep' mode.  On attempting to restart, got the message with black screen 'diskette drive 0 seek failure'  Have played around with the settings in F2 mode with no success.  !Novices here who need detailed instruction :/  Thanks.

rdunnill · Answer

My first Dell was a 4550 ... if I can find it, I might just piece it back together.

Regarding yours, you might try resetting the BIOS to its defaults. Or perhaps the floppy drive is bad? (A new or used one can be had on eBay for a nominal sum.) Or, with some models, the floppy drive "disk seek at boot" can be disabled. (I presume you don't use the floppy drive for much anymore.)

Let us know if you have further questions.

osprey4 · Answer

I've still got my Dim 4550 kicking. It's in the basement and I use it for video capture and DVD encoding.

deetrub · Answer

I do have the same problem with Dell inspiron 330

Dell-Rajesh R · Answer

Hi deetrub,May I know the exact system model as Inspiron 330 doesnot exist?Also, let me know the issue with the computer so that I can help you better.Awaiting your response!

bg-dellproblems · Answer

Same Problem here with my Dell Dimension E521, there is no floppy and I cannot see any battery on the motherboard.  Has anyone had any luck with this?

osprey4 · Answer

Hi bg-dellproblems,

Here is a link to your manual. On page 104 is the procedure for replacing the motherboard battery. Once you do that, boot to the BIOS and turn the floppy controller OFF. You'll also need to set the time.

bg-dellproblems · Answer

I don't see the link?

bg-dellproblems · Answer

I found it in support.  thx

Storage, Drives & Media

I do have the same problem with Dell inspiron 330

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