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Computer does not detect hard drive

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Join Date: Oct 2005

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Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 11th, 2005

I have a Dell Computer - probably around 4 years old. A week ago, when I came home from work, their was a screen telling me I had an error and had to reboot. I thought it was no big deal - so I proceeded to reboot. When it started to boot up - all I heard was a clicking noise and then received this error:

Primary 0 drive not found

It gave me the option to press F1 to continue or F2 to run the setup utility

Either pressing F1 or F2, it brings me to the BIOS screen.

I looked though the setup section and under drive configuration it lists my Primary master drive as "unknown device"

In the boot sequence section as number 2 it says "Hard disk drive (not installed)

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? I'm concerned with trying to get some of the data off of the hard drive as well as whether it is really dead and if I need to buy a new hard drive.

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 12th, 2005

Ok first try opening up the system.

Disconenct the IDE cable.

Disconnect the power.

Let it sit.

Disocnenct the power from the PC and let this sit as well.

After about 5 minutes plug it all back in and see if comes back.

I have seen this with Dells before... specifically Dimesnions..

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 12th, 2005

Thanks....I will try this tonight and let you know how it goes.
Yes, I have a Dimension. 8300 I think it is.....

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 12th, 2005

Figured as much.. Simply notorious for this type of behavior.

I would not panic. It is that stupid weak power supply they cheaply put in those units.

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 14th, 2005

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Originally Posted by beginner's_help

I have a Dell Computer - probably around 4 years old. A week ago, when I came home from work, their was a screen telling me I had an error and had to reboot. I thought it was no big deal - so I proceeded to reboot. When it started to boot up - all I heard was a clicking noise and then received this error:

Primary 0 drive not found

It gave me the option to press F1 to continue or F2 to run the setup utility

Either pressing F1 or F2, it brings me to the BIOS screen.

I looked though the setup section and under drive configuration it lists my Primary master drive as "unknown device"

In the boot sequence section as number 2 it says "Hard disk drive (not installed)

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? I'm concerned with trying to get some of the data off of the hard drive as well as whether it is really dead and if I need to buy a new hard drive.

Uh ih. That was the "Click of death". In all probabilities, the hard drive has crashed. Recover your data from backups. If the machine is in warranty, you could ask Dell for a new hard drive.

You could also try out the techniques mentioned here:
http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread9069.html

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 14th, 2005

Well,

If the hard drive is making noise now then yes it is possible it is shot.

but I have seen DImensions do some pretty crazy things.

SO I would not rule ANYTHING out at this point

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Re: Computer does not detect hard drive

Oct 27th, 2006

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Originally Posted by techniner

Figured as much.. Simply notorious for this type of behavior.

I would not panic. It is that stupid weak power supply they cheaply put in those units.

Well I would panic. I work for Calstatela tech dpt and we had exactly the same problem. I tested the hard drive in another working computer and it dint even recognize it. So is DEAD, it makes a sound when is trying to run.

The power supply theory, I tested it. I disconected everything "cd drives, floppy ect" and it dint recognize the hard drive so is not the power.