Member Avatar for rbfolland

On a Dell lap-top(latitude??)pentium 3,using windows XPI get the following message"Windows was unable to save all the data for the file/Device/Harddisk volume1/Documents and Settings/user-name/Local Settings/Temporary Internet Files/Content.IES/AVSJQ31P.The data has been lost.This loss may be caused by a failure of your computer hardware or network connection.Please try to save this file elsewhere" Now when I try to turn on the computer it is saying "Primary harddisk drive 0 not found.No bootable devices-strike F1 to retry boot F12 for set up utility" and it is making a clicking noise. It is connected to wireless and the other computer works fine. Please help,in simple terms or step by step directions,Thank You

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Dani AI

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This looks like a hardware failure rather than a network or Windows-only problem. The sequence you describe — a write/save error, then the laptop BIOS no longer finding the primary disk, plus a repetitive clicking from the machine — is characteristic of a failing internal drive. and reached a similar conclusion, and ’s suggestion to replace the drive is the usual next step when data is not needed.

Immediate, practical steps (in order):

  1. Power down and unplug the laptop (remove AC and battery). Repeated boot attempts can make mechanical damage worse.
  2. Decide how important the data is. If the data is critical, stop further DIY work and consult a professional data‑recovery service — spinning a failing drive more often reduces the chance of recovery.
  3. If you want to try a single safe DIY attempt and you are comfortable opening the laptop: remove the drive, connect it to another computer with a 2.5" USB adapter or external enclosure, and try to copy the highest‑priority files first (do not run repair utilities that write to the disk). If the drive still clicks or is not recognized, stop and get professional help.
  4. If the data is not needed, replace the drive with a compatible 2.5" unit (confirm the connector type — older laptops use IDE/PATA, newer ones SATA) and reinstall the OS from recovery media or install disc.

Notes and cautions:

  • Clicking usually means mechanical or electronics failure inside the drive; simple software fixes are unlikely to help.
  • Avoid “DIY fixes” like freezing drives or repeatedly powering the unit; those often make recovery harder.
  • If recovery is essential, expect to get a cost estimate from a reputable lab before proceeding.

After replacement, enable a regular backup plan (external drive or cloud) so a single hardware fault won’t cause the same problem again.

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Member Avatar for TT4Titans

If you hear clicking and it is from the HDD then it is all she wrote for the HDD.

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

dead HDD. if it's clicking - VERY dead.

Member Avatar for JANINE

On a Dell lap-top(latitude??)pentium 3,using windows XPI get the following message"Windows was unable to save all the data for the file/Device/Harddisk volume1/Documents and Settings/user-name/Local Settings/Temporary Internet Files/Content.IES/AVSJQ31P.The data has been lost.This loss may be caused by a failure of your computer hardware or network connection.Please try to save this file elsewhere" Now when I try to turn on the computer it is saying "Primary harddisk drive 0 not found.No bootable devices-strike F1 to retry boot F12 for set up utility" and it is making a clicking noise. It is connected to wireless and the other computer works fine. Please help,in simple terms or step by step directions,Thank You

It is most certainly a dead hard drive. If you dont feel confident in opening up your laptop then DON'T, Take it to a local repair specialist. A new laptop hard disk will cost anything upwards of £40 GBP depending on the amount of storage you want..

hope i've helped;)

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