potential hard drive problem

I'm trying to fix a Dell PC model # DHS. It's a Pentium 4 HT and it had XP Pro on it. It currently doesn't boot up, but I'm able to reach the BIOS. I set to boot from cd-rom drive and I put win 2000 disc (don't have XP) in and it's not detecting a HD at all (saying no HD installed) when installng windows and in BIOS it doesn't detect a HD either. What happened? Is the HD garbage?

Thanks for any help!

 

Not sure what SATA is.

I switched the dvd-rom and HD cables and I'm still getting the same errors and the cd-rom is still working, so I'm assuming the cables are good.

When I turn the computer on I'm getting an error:

Diskette drive 0 seek failure.

When I boot from cd-rom drive with windows 2k I get an error:

Failed to AcRead the boot partition

And finally I get an error when I try to run Windows 2K setup:

Disk I/O error: status 00008001

I think the hard drive is garbage. I got this computer for cheap because it wasn't working, but I know it was working before. Please advise...

 

Yup sounds like you need a new hard drive... fortunately they are cheap.

P

 

Would I be better off buying the original HD for this computer or could I put anything in here? Reason I'm asking is cause this perticular Dell pc is more of a business pc. It's really not built for adding HD's, disc drives, etc..

 

If you could give us a part# or service tag# as DHS pertains to more than one type.

Yes, if it is a proprietary(from Dell) you may have to replace it with original parts: however this usually only applies to the memory,PS etc and they just use a standard HD: they just attach a special bracket(grey)or rails(green) for mounting in there cases.

 

Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 40GB
Model# ST340014A
P/N 9W2005-633

Yes, it does have green slides...I should be able to transer them over to another HD..I'm assuming. From what I read they do sell upgradeable HDs for this PC. Not sure if this is accurate.

 

Go ahead and unscrew those geensliders from the HD and keep the screws.
You can replace this with any other IDE HD drive. ( make sure you know the difference between sata and IDE drives before you buy)
You do not need to purchase it from dell, you can use any IDE drive
Make a note of any jumper settings and how the cables are hooked up so that it will be easy to replace it.

 

And when I hook everything up will I have to do an install or will the computer recognize it right away?

 

If this is your only HD then yes you will have to replace the OS,you can use the same disc and installation code of the original PC.
Dell also contains drivers specific to there mobo's so you will have to download the drivers and follow there directions for install (usually just point and click).
This is where a service tag# or Model and make of the PC is helpful. Make sure to read all directions.(NOTE: If you have the original dell install/backup disc it will contain the drivers for your mobo)--Without drivers your system will still boot after installing it's just nothing will work properly/at all until they are installed..(screen wonky,no sound,etc)

If this is just for data then windows should just recognize it upon boot and add it as another new hardware/device.

J

 

This PC only had one HD and it's currently a paper weight. So I'm starting fresh- new HD, new OS..etc. So your saying I can put the new HD in and run my OS setup disc and the OS will detect the new HD...when I will have a problem is when I get to my desktop, correct? But, from there I can access the internet for all the proper drivers needed? Thanks again

 

I forgot to add...I have the XP code (sticker on my PC) but I don't have a disc, so for now I'm putting 2k on and I will upgrade at a later date...

 

No You will not have a internet connection
DL the drivers on another machine (usually on a floppy or USB) you decide
Then when windows asks for the driver you simply point windows to it.
Once again make sure you have the proper drivers for your board before you begin.
I think 2000 does not require a code but I could be wrong...

 

I'm sorry, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to doing what I'm doing. Are you talking about drivers for my mother board? If so, where would I find these online? Also, would I need drivers for the new HD as well?

Yes, you're correct, 2K doesn't require a code.

thanks!