Instruction needed for the layman.
Non-techie here experiencing an issue with my Dell which I’ve not yet been able to resolve. I’ve spent much time roaming the forums (Dell, Microsoft and others) and have had some success at approaching this issue but find myself currently at an impasse. At this juncture it seems to me that there are a plethora of opinions at how to proceed, and not being familiar with the process or some of the terminology used, I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. So, sorry to rehash a topic that seems to be fairly prevalent, but I’m hoping that there’s someone out there familiar with the 8400 issue that would be willing to “baby step” me through.
One thing I’m very embarrassed about. I don’t have a backup disk….and I’m very very sorry now. From what I’ve read, I believe my data is still retrievable. I know I’ve made restore points, but they’re on my HD… which I know doesn’t make much sense.
Brief history:
Dell Dimension 8400 purchased direct online in July 2004.
Loaded with XP Pro … SP3 via Microsoft updates
160 GB Sata Raid hard drive
I do run the Microsoft maintenance utilities from time to time…but I’m not a nut with it.
One fine sunny morning upon start up I was introduce to a dark message, “Windows could not be started because \Windows\System32\Config\System file could not be found or is corrupt”. I took a deep breath and stared at the screen a minute or two. I was surprised. Turn it off, start again….same…Turn it off, start again…same. Until now I hadn’t really ever had many issues with this PC. I did experience a memory dump issue a couple of months prior, jotted them down and Goggled. I found that they were related to the Sonic software that was preload on the PC and because I didn’t use the software I deleted it by using the Windows Add/Delete utility and that resolved the issue. The PC had been working perfectly for the last couple of months. So, I don’t think it’s related.
Here are the steps I’ve taken thus far based on the postings I've read:
- Tried to boot into safe mode; No success.
- I attempted to repair the OS using the “purple” installation CD provided when I purchased the PC.
- Tweeked BIOs to boot from disk on start up.
- When prompted to select “R” for repair I receive a message that my HD could not be found.
-Used the “blue” utility CD provided and ran all diagnostic test… no issues were found. Several HD test were performed. HD appears to be functioning properly.
- I learned that because I have a Sata drive that I need to install the drivers before arriving at the Windows Set up screen. To do this I have to use the ‘blue’ utility CD that was included in the box which has the drivers and has a utility to copy them to a floppy. … all that worked as described… I was really starting to believe that I could solve this.
- When returning to the installation CD and hitting the appropriate key when prompted I’ve been able to install the drivers from the floppy just as described in the walk throughs. It continues to load……..but.......
At the Window Set-up screen.
When I select “R” for repair, I’m still met with the same message that my HD "could not be found"…….AAARGHhhh!!!!!!
Keeping the “Non-Techie” in mind.
Please, Please, Please help!
Thanks in Advance,
Eric