So glad to read your post... I had the EXACT same problem on my 8500 about two weeks after I got it.
After doing the diagnostics, same result on the DST short test. Also tried booting to the diagnostics on the support CD. Failed miserably and showed bad blocks.
Emailed tech support several times, finally had to get a new hard drive, as it booted once or twice more, but that was it. Now it's completely dead. Dell tech support couldn't help, but was great with getting the new drive there quickly even when backordered. At least I was able to backup the files and emails, now I just have to install the new drive and send the old one back to them, and reinstall all the software
DELL-Corey
2.6K Posts
0
November 25th, 2003 20:00
Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum.
Try reseating your system’s Hard Drive, and slightly tightening any loose screws on the bottom of the computer.
If that does not resolve the issue, run the Dell diagnostic program and see if it finds a problem with the HDD.
7 yrs later
4 Posts
0
November 30th, 2003 22:00
squire,
So glad to read your post... I had the EXACT same problem on my 8500 about two weeks after I got it.
After doing the diagnostics, same result on the DST short test. Also tried booting to the diagnostics on the support CD. Failed miserably and showed bad blocks.
Emailed tech support several times, finally had to get a new hard drive, as it booted once or twice more, but that was it. Now it's completely dead. Dell tech support couldn't help, but was great with getting the new drive there quickly even when backordered. At least I was able to backup the files and emails, now I just have to install the new drive and send the old one back to them, and reinstall all the software
But at least it SHOULD work this time.