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ColemanCreative

17 Posts

10925

September 15th, 2012 18:00

External Hard Drive Stops DIMENSION 3100C From Booting Past BIOS Screen

I have a DIMENSION 3100C, running Windows XP.  I connected an IOMEGA External Hard Drive to it through a USB port.  When I start the computer, it reaches the BIOS screen.  Then I get a message "NTLDR is missing.  Hit Control, Alt, Delete."  I hit CONTROL, ALT, DELETE.  The computer reboots, gets to the BIOS screen, and the same thing happens.  If I unplug the External Hard Drive, the computer boots up just fine.  Is there some way to keep the External Hard Drive plugged in and still get the computer to boot past the BIOS screen.  My computer knowledge is medium - just enough to be dangerous to myself and my computer.  Thanks for any suggestions.

DELL-Madhur B

565 Posts

September 15th, 2012 21:00

Hi,

There are certain settings that need to be changed in system setup to address the issue, please follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Switch off the computer and then wait for 10 seconds and then switch on the computer and tap F2 at Dell logo screen for 4-5 times to enter the system setup.
  • In the system setup please use up/down arrow keys to highlight Onboard devices and press enter.
  • Under Onboard devices please use up/down arrow keys to highlight USB Controller press enter
  • Change the USB Controller to “No Boot” using left/right arrow keys as default settings would be “On”.
  • Press ESC key, select “Save/Exit” and press enter. Computer will restart.

Adding the manual for system setup for reference:

 

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ColemanCreative

17 Posts

September 16th, 2012 11:00

Thank you, Madhur B.

It worked perfectly.

DELL-Roshan L

4 Operator

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4.4K Posts

May 29th, 2013 05:00

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