I did not install the media direct, I do not know how it got there unless it was left from the Vista Program. The laptop originally had Vista as its operating system.

Hi Mario,

Thank you for the response. Would like to know if you performed a clean installation of Windows 7 or upgraded from Vista to Windows 7. 

I would suggest you to run the Dell Diagnostics to check the hardware functionality. Power off the computer -> restart the computer, press 'F12' key on the Dell logo -> Select ‘Diagnostics’ from the boot menu. Please refer to the link if any error code shows up http://dell.to/17hZikk.

Alternatively, observe the computer in safe mode and check if the issue persists. You may follow the steps below to start the computer 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 shut the system down properly.

If the issue persists, try creating a new user account and check. Please refer to the link on How to Create a user account http://bit.ly/VNSBTb.

Awaiting your response.

performed diagnostic and got error code 2000-0146

Hi Mario,

Thank you for the response. 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.

Likely as the hard drive has failed you will need to replace the hard drive and reinstall Media Direct and Windows 7 via a clean installation.

See Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows 7:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

Bare in mind this is a Media Direct system so it is highly recommended to carry out Step 7b and 14a. Step 7a isn't needed for a new hard drive.

Use the following drivers here:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/4508.inspiron-laptops-windows-7-unofficial-drivers.aspx

For the hard drive you may get a Solid State Drive which will offer superior performance:

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Inspiron+Laptops%2fNotebooks/Inspiron+1720-upgrades.html

You can also look at the conventional hard drives, listed below the SSD in the link above.

Thanks, here is what

I have done so far.

I replaced the memory and the hard drive. I reloaded the hard drive with windows 7. The problem still continues. When I power off the laptop it immediately starts back up on its own. It does not display the Dell logo screen. Instead, it shows the Dell media direct screen. the f12 key does not function on this screen.

I am open to more suggestions and I thank everyone for their help with this problem

Mario

I reinstalled dell media center its still doing the same thing

please help!!

Mario

Hi Mario,

Please check if the Media Center key is stuck. You may try re-seating the hinge cover and check if the issue persists. Please refer to the Service Manual.

Hope this helps.