Hello everyone. This...is just not my month. I was recently on here about my fiance's laptop..and now my desktop just died on me.

System specs:
Dell Dimension 2300. Several years old.
512 MB RAM
1.8 ghz processor (I think)


I believe the problem is a hardware problem. (OBVIOUSLY considering that i'm posting it here.) Sadly, i'm not very knowledgeable about hardware problems.

Yesterday, my computer stopped connecting to the internet. (Not sure if this is actually related or not) This irked me, but wasn't exactly the first time it had happened (since I connect through a router) and so I turned off my computer. HOWEVER, since then I have been unable to boot windows. Whenever I turn on my computer it brings up the dell LOGO screen and then it brings up a message saying "Strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility"

I tried both of these, hitting f1 does nothing but bring the message up again; F2 brings up the setup utility..but that doesn't help me much. I tried to load a rebooting disc and a windows xp reinstallation disc, but couldn't get either started.

Also, (and the key REASON that I believe this is a hardware problem) the computer makes a slow but repetitive clicking noise which coincides with a blinking of the Hard Drive access light on the front panel.

The computer was working fine until I shut it down.Do you have another hard drive you can use ?No I don't..  Well, if you unplug the hard drive power plug, then boot,does
the clicking noise disappear,or is it still there?erm..sorry, but where is the harddrive power plug?Ok part of this video applys to you ....... watch it all , some good information , it will go through how to remove it ....

http://video.about.com/pcsupport/SecondIDEharddrive.htm


The 1st 33secs will explain how to take out the power cable.....Alrighty, I disconnected the power from the harddrive. When I booted the clicking noise was gone.well sounds like its your hard drive is the main issue  there buddy , just out of curiosity did that video help you out Yeah, it showed me where the cord was. :-) And I had assumed that it was the problem.. I was really wondering whether there was something I could do about it. Other than buying a new harddrive...sweet as a nut as we say here in the uk glad it helped you .......  Yeah, thanks for the vid. So..any idea what's wrong with the hard drive? anyone?Well, your hard drive is failing.Get a new hard drive.

Hook up the old one as slave long enough to get any
important files off of it then........Take it in the yard and
kick a field goal.




Quote from: street1 on July 26, 2007, 05:43:18 PM

Well, your hard drive is failing.Get a new hard drive.

Hook up the old one as slave long enough to get any
important files of of it then........Take it in the yard and
kick a field goal.