error question

My computer will not start this am (on my wife's now) Logo comes on, then message --MEDIA TEST FAILED-CHECK CABLE. This is the first time for that message on it. Can anyone tell me what I should do, or if there IS anything I can do. Thanks Don


Gateway dual core 2.8mhz pentium 4 1512 ram service pack 2 windows pro xp media edition

 

Check in the BIOS to see if the Hard Drive is being detected.

 

I think I am way in over my head. I tried what you said, although when I was in bios I was not sure what I was looking at. Anyway, I decided to reinstall from my installation dvd. I got the message-- invalid partition table. Now I have stopped and will not try anything more until I get some help. Probably I will wind up hiring someone to fix it.

Don

 

I'm beginning to think that your HD has thrown its legs in the air. But again if your HD is not being recognized then you will get the error message you are reporting.

In the BIOS there is a list of the boot devices (of which your HD should be one) and there is also a description of the HD in terms of type, sectors and cylinders. If you cannot find this you may need to boot to DOS and try FDISK / MBR which will attempt to correct the Master Boot Record.

What BIOS do you have by the way?