Hi Ashers1,

It could be an issue with the software or hardware of the computer. I would recommend you to run the diagnostics on the computer.

To run ‘Dell Diagnostics’

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, press F12 on the Dell logo
• Select ‘Diagnostics’ from the boot menu
• Please refer to the link if any error code shows up http://dell.to/OUGnqT

Alternatively, check in Safe mode:

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, tap F8 on Dell logo 2-3 times
• This will take you to ‘Windows Advanced Boot Options’
• Choose ‘Safe Mode’ in the Advanced Boot menu (use ‘up’ or ‘down’ arrow keys to highlight the option, press ‘enter’ to select)
• When Windows finishes loading in Safe mode, check if you are able to work on the computer.

Please reply with the findings.

Hi neither option has worked!

When I switch on the lap top it goes into Safe Mode & when I select Repair it displays the previously attached message.

When I go through to the Diagnostic selection it gets to about 3% completed and shuts down.

Its an N5010

What can I do next please?

Ash

Hi Ashers1,

Thank you for the response. It could be an issue with the software or hardware of the computer. I would recommend you to try the steps mentioned below:

Drain the residual power from the laptop:

• Disconnect any external peripherals (flash drives, printers, external hard drives) from the computer
• Then remove the adaptor from the computer
• Remove the battery from the computer
• Press and hold the power button on the computer for 10 seconds
• Reconnect the battery and the adaptor
• Restart the computer. Try to run the ‘Dell Diagnotics’ again

If the system shuts down in Diagnostics, then check the system in BIOS:

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, tap ‘F2’ key on the Dell logo
• This will take you to the BIOS screen. Wait on the BIOS screen for some time and observe if the computer shuts down

If the issue still persists, then it is advisable to perform PC restore, which means taking the computer back to factory defaults to eradicate any software issues.
Note: We would advise you to take a complete backup of your data (pictures, music, videos, and documents) as this step leads to complete data loss. Please disconnect any external peripherals as well.

To perform PC restore:

• Restart PC, press 3-4 times when the Dell logo appears.
• Advanced Boot Options menu appears, ‘Repair your Computer' is highlighted, press Enter. (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice)
• Windows is loading files screen appears. Wait for it to load.
• System Recovery Options prompt appears. Specify the language and keyboard input that you want, and then click ‘Next’.
• Log in as a user who has administrative credentials; select the username from the drop-down list, type the password and click OK.
• Choose a Recovery Tool Window appears, select Dell Data Safe Restore and Emergency Backup.
• The Welcome screen will show 2 options; Restore computer and preserve my new or changed files and Select other System Backup and more options. Select the second option (Select other System Backup and more options) and click Next.
• The next window shows these options; Backup Files and folders and Restore my computer. Select ‘Restore my computer’.
• Select the Factory Image and click ‘Next’.
• The next window shows 2 options; 'Preserve new or changed files before restoring to selected System Backup' and 'Restore without preserving new or changed files'. Select the second option (Restore without preserving new or changed files) and click Next.
• A prompt appears stating that your computer is about to be restored all data currently on your computer will be deleted and replaced with your selected Full System Backup. If an Emergency File & Folder Backup was created, it will still be saved at the location you selected. Click 'Yes, continue' and click Next.
• PC restore will initiate. Once done, click Restart.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to create a user account

Please reply if you have any questions.

OK removing the battery worked and let me run diagnostics!

I had the following error message:

Error Code 0146

Error Code: 2000 - 0146

What does this mean?

Thanks

Ash

Hi Ashers1,

Thank you for your response. 2000-0146 error indicates issue with the hard drive. Please reply with the exact model no. of the computer so that I can assist you with the further troubleshooting steps. You can also refer to the link http://dell.to/OUGnqT 

Please reply if you have any questions.

Inspiron N5010

Hi Ashers1,

Thank you for the response. As I have mentioned, error code 2000: 0146 may imply a possible 'hard drive' failure. For more decisive results, I recommend you to run a 'Custom Test' on the 'Hard Drive'. 'Custom Test' is an advanced diagnostic test and is capable of producing more reliable results. Please follow the steps listed below to launch the hard drive custom test:

• Run the diagnostics using the 'F12' key
• Ignore the error code 2000-0146 and go ahead with the test
• Tap to launch 32 bit Diagnostics (Following screen appears):

From the factory the system's 'hard drive' will include a hidden partition with 32 bit Dell Diagnostics. After the completion of basic diagnostic process, you will be asked to continue to this Diagnostics program. If for some reason the hidden partition is not found on the hard drive, you will be presented with the option to insert the Resource DVD. Following screen appears in that case:

If required, use the Resource CD and follow the steps given below:
- Insert Recovery CD
- Shut down and restart the desktop
- When Dell logo appears, immediately tap repeatedly

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then shut down your computer and try again.
- When the boot device list appears, highlight the option CD/DVD/CD-RW and press
- Boot from CD-ROM from the menu that appears and press
- This message appears ‘Press any key to boot from the CD’
- Promptly hit

NOTE: If you wait too long and Dell Diagnostic screen does not appear, then, shut down your computer and repeat all steps.
(Following screen appears):

- Press  
When the Dell Diagnostics main menu appears, select the test you want to run
- Select Custom Test (Refer to image below)

- Click <+> sign besides 'Hard Drive' (Refer to image below)
- Highlight 'SATA Disk'
- Place a tick mark in 'Non-Interactive Tests Only'
- Click 'Run Test'


- For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem
- Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears

Do reply with the findings.

Hi I got right through to last task without the need for a disc but it shut itself down a few minutes in !

What next?

ash

Hi Ashers1,

Thank you for the response. Please check if the computer is overheating. If yes, then allow the computer to cool down and run the custom test again on the hard drive to determine the functionality of the hard drive. You can also try to drain the residual power again and run the custom test on the hard drive. I would also recommend you check in BIOS for some time and observe if the computer shuts down.

Please reply with the findings.

Hi Ashers1,

Thank you for the response. The result of the custom test indicates that the hard drive may have gone bad and it may need a replacement. To check the warranty details of your computer, you can click on the link http://dell.to/QjjZDA , type the service tag of your computer and click on Warranty tab and let me know the status.

If your system is out of warranty, then you need to replace the hard drive. A technician is required to replaced the hard drive for this model. If you are comfortable replacing it by yourself, you can refer to the manual http://bit.ly/REGhS6. Once you've replaced the hard drive, ensure that BIOS is updated. I would also recommend you to clean the air vents of the computer. Below are the steps to clean the air vents:

• Check the vents on the computer to see if they are covered with dust and not allowing heat and air to pass through
• Turn off the System
• Unplug the AC Adapter
• Remove the Battery
• Use Compressed Air to blow the dust out of the vents

Note: Please use compressed air can. When using compressed air can, use the can according to the directions on the side of the can as you can cause damage to the computer if used incorrectly.

If after this, the system over heats, then the fan and the heat sink may have to be replaced.

Hope this helps.

More specifically, the controller on the hard drive is most likely bad.

Its out of warranty (Nov 2011).

I will need a technician to replace as that's beyond me!

What are my options, re costs & how soon this can be replaced?

thanks

Ash

Hi Ashers1,

In order to assist in a better way, I would need the service tag of the computer and the name as it appears on the account.

I have added you as a friend. Please accept my friend request by clicking on my name highlighted in blue and then click on “Friends” tab at the top and then click on “Request to Review” and finally click on “Accept” button.

I am sending you a private message as well. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system records and check for further course of action. You could also click on Start Conversation to send a private message.