'Error Loading Operating System'

Question

Hi, I'm using a Dell Optiplex GX270 Series computer, Windows XP SP2.... The other day out of the blue during system startup, I get a black screen that only says 'Error Loading Operating System', the only thing I can do is access the Setup and Boot Menu, after looking into this problem on the net it seems the view is its a BIOS problem.... A lot of people seem to say the following.... 'Go to the BIOS settings of your machine and change the translation method used to access the hard drive from the default setting 'Auto' to 'Large' (not LBA, not CHS!). Reboot and with some luck installation will pick up at the point where it aborted before. If it doesn’t continue with the second part of the installation, you have to start over and do a fresh install. Leave the BIOS setting at 'Large' for that task!' If this is correct, how do I do this? I have been through the menu a number of times and cant figure out the steps, could someone help me out with this problem? I'm terrified I'm going to lose my entire hard drive.... P.S. I have tried to run the windows disc, but the computer wont read anything from the drive, so I cant even try a repair or a reinstall.... Help me please!!!!! Sorry, I also posted this in the 'BIOS' section, before realizing I should have posted this here.....

mombodog · Answer

Those bios settings do not exist on a Dell, so forget that.

Most likely your hard drive has failed or the data cable that connects it to the motherboard has.

Acess setup (bios) and see if the hard drive is being detected in there, is it? Look in "drive configuration"

Next run the Dell diagnostics on the hard drive. 3 ways to do it.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=126A722713F6D0D0E0401E0A55174AE6&doclang=en#2

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=A2014D03404049C79D88A8FC9210B4B0&doclang=en

create a diagnostics floppy diskette

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R76924&SystemID=PLX_PNT_CEL_GX270&servicetag=&os= WW1&osl=en&deviceid=3841&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=3&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=3&libid=13&fileid=100710

Message Edited by mombodog on 05-13-2008 04:31 PM

fullbug · Answer

'Acess setup (bios) and see if the hard drive is being detected in there, is it? Look in 'drive configuration'   Well, you tell me, here is whats listed in Drive Configuration....   SATA Primary Drive- Off SATA Secondary Drive- off Primary Master Drive- Hard Drive Primary Slave Drive- off Secondary Master Drive- CD-ROM Device Secondary Slave Drive- off IDE Drive UDMA- on

mombodog · Answer

'Primary Master Drive- Hard Drive'   highlight this one, see if there is any additional information displayed about the drive.

mombodog · Answer

Ok the bios can talk to the drive and identify it, next step is to try a chkdsk using this method.   http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=5097

fullbug · Answer

I tried suggestion 1- Nothing happens, no test starts to run.... Doesnt 2- mean I have to purchase the CD? I guess an option, no idea how to get it or how long it would take.... 3- My other computer is a laptop, doesnt have a floppy, not sure if I could find someone to do it.... Not many options huh?

fullbug · Answer

This is the info on the drive....   Model ST340014A Drive Type- Auto Capacity- 40000MB

mombodog · Answer

You can run chkdsk several times to try and recover the bad data/sectors, otherwise:

3 options imho

1. Remove the hard drive and install it in an "external USB hard drive enclosure", connect it to another PC and see if you can copy your important data off of the drive, then do #3

2. If the above fails to work, go here http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm and spend $89 and run spinrite6 on the PC to try and recover the bad data/sectors, this software works very well unless the drive is physically damaged somehow, no way to know but try it.

3. Replace the drive and re-install windows.

If your data on the drive is not worth anything to you, then just save yourself some time and money and replace the drive and reinstall XP.

fullbug · Answer

OK, when I entered checkdsk /r  it says' The volume appears to contain 1 or more unrecoverable problems' now that cant be good right?

mombodog · Answer

'Doesnt 2- mean I have to purchase the CD?'   It should have come with the PC, if you need a full set of disc's go here and fill out the form, they are free.   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

fullbug · Answer

OK, I fixed the problem with help from another computer help website, here is what I did....

I ran the Recovery Console, and at the prompt typed fixboot and hit Enter...
Removed the XP CD and re-booted after turning on all functions and the boot process.

That was it, I'm so relieved, wish I knew what caused this in the first place.....

Thanx a bunch for your help mombodog....:smileyhappy:

mombodog · Answer

I crown thee computer genius.   That was mush easier than my suggestions........

fullbug · Answer

One more question mombodog, while checking out some drivers on the Dell site, I noticed some are recommended to be upgraded, should I get right on that? Not just drivers, system utilites, cd/dvd, bios ect? I tried the analyze system test but it didnt tell me anything....I really know nothing about installing this sort of thing.....

mombodog · Answer

Here is my rule, if it is not a Critical/Urgent or Security related driver update, I ignore it.

I only upgrade for these reasons, or I have a particular problem I am trying to solve.

Unfortunately, not all those downloads are for your particular system, they are for all configurations Dell sold for that model number, you need to know what hardware you have in your system before choosing items that have more than 1 driver available for download. Take for instance, Video drivers, there are several to choose from, so you need to know what video adapter model you have.

fullbug · Answer

OK, thanx for that info....:robothappy:

Windows General

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