Dell dimension 2400, bios cannot read the hard drive

[Fred_24]

I noticed my Dell Domination 2400 started to slow down and also the Registered started to need align or adjust more than normal way. I format the Master hard drive and reinstall new windows xp pro. but it did help. When I checked the Blois I notice that the computer did not detect the hard drive (Factory Number) it just hard drive, and also it did not say Master or Slave. I really appreciated if some help. Thanks

 

[silchesterblade]

I noticed my Dell Domination 2400 started to slow down and also the Registered started to need align or adjust more than normal way. I format the Master hard drive and reinstall new windows xp pro. but it did help. When I checked the Blois I notice that the computer did not detect the hard drive (Factory Number) it just hard drive, and also it did not say Master or Slave. I really appreciated if some help. Thanks

Fred

I don't understand what problems you're having. If you've reinstalled XP the computer must be detecting the hard drive. Try checking the disk IDE ATA controller in control panel/system/device driver and make sure it's set at DMA.

 

[ShridharAtDell]

Fred,

As you are able to boot to Windows, it clearly indicates that the system is detecting the hard drive. However, not showing the drive serial # in BIOS could not be a reason for the performance issue. If you think there could have been some changes done in BIOS, try the steps below in the same order to reset the BIOS settings back to factory defaults.

- Boot to BIOS
- Turn on Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock (make sure the keyboard lights are lit)
- Press and hold down Alt and tap E once (You’ll hear a beep sound)
- Press and hold down Alt and tap F once
- Press and hold down Alt and tap B once

Faulty Hard drive could also be a cause for the slow performance, so try the steps below to test the drive.

- Press F12 at the Dell Logo
- Select IDE Drive Diagnostics

This would take approximately 2 minutes to check the drive and give you the result. If the test comes up with a Fail result and any return code, you would have to replace the drive.

Hope this answers your concern and if you still have any issues, you can contact our tech support over the phone or reach out to us at @dellcares on twitter or facebook.com/dell. We would be glad to help.

Regards
ShridharAtDell

 

[Fezzig]

Fred,
...
Faulty Hard drive could also be a cause for the slow performance, so try the steps below to test the drive.

- Press F12 at the Dell Logo
- Select IDE Drive Diagnostics

This would take approximately 2 minutes to check the drive and give you the result. If the test comes up with a Fail result and any return code, you would have to replace the drive.
...
Regards
ShridharAtDell

ShridharAtDell,
I tried this on a computer I am attempting to revive for my In-Laws. However, when I try this, it tells me to push F1 to continue. After doing so, I get the message "ERROR ATTEMPTING DIAGNOSTICS" for the Primary Master Drive.
This is the original drive that came in the Dell Dimension 2400. I can put the drive into another PC, and sometimes get it to recognize the drive, whereupon it functions normally. I was lucky enough to get the data off the drive that i needed (family photos, etc.), but would love to be able to hand them back a working computer.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Fezzigdk@yahoo.com