big problem!

CinderzFTW

CinderzFTW

CinderzFTW

Soldato
Joined
5 Sep 2011
Posts
2,616
Location
Nottingham, UK
Hi I am sorting out my mates computer for him (Dell Inspiron 580) and I have come across a big problem.

He wanted the hdd replacing with a bigger new hdd, so I got him this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-255-SE seagate 2tb sata 3 hdd.

I put it in, installed windows and it refuses to boot past the windows logo once windows has installed, I thought it may have corrupted, so I reformatted the drive and installed windows again, but the same thing happens, it just hangs at the windows logo (windows 7 ultimate 64 bit) and refuses to go any further.

So I thought I would bring the system back to mine, I have tested the new hdd in my machine and it works perfectly. Thinking the motherboard doesn't support sata3 drives in the dell, I put my sata2 500gb in it, so I could boot up windows, do a flash of the bios and install any sata firmware that I got from the dell website to try and fix the problem, but even my sata 2 (samsung f1) drive won't boot either, its doing the same thing.

I have reseated and swap tested all the ram and the gpu, checked all the connections and everything seems fine.

No HDD will boot, his old one has been wiped, but he may be able to get it back, but thats just a standard sata 2 also, like mine which wouldn't boot either.

I NEED HELP!

ANY IDEAS!
 
I remember reading on here about another old pre-build and apparently you can't install another OS unless it's an upgrade from dell or whatever the make was. I'm not sure if it's true or not though. Does he have the disk which came with the computer? Try installing the old os and doing an upgrade. As i said before i don't know if this is true or not
 
You could keep the old drive for the OS (if it still works) and add the 2nd in as a data drive.
Sounds like the Dell BIOS is being picky.

Silly little things to try.

Use windows startup repair on the new hdd with the fresh install.
or
Reset the CMOS.
 
Can you try a different sata port or cable?

Also did you have any drivers installed from the Dell website?
 
well the old drive is wiped clean, formatted by his daughter now, so that option is kind of screwed... all he wanted was a new hdd in, install windows and off he goes...

the board will not accpet my hdd or the new sata3 one
 
R088ieS86 said:
You could keep the old drive for the OS (if it still works) and add the 2nd in as a data drive.
Sounds like the Dell BIOS is being picky.

Silly little things to try.

Use windows startup repair on the new hdd with the fresh install.
or
Reset the CMOS.
Click to expand...

cleared the cmos and it won't even boot the start up repair.. on either disk, thought both boot on my system
 
Have you tried changing the SATA mode in BIOS, try both Compatability and AHCI modes, not sure it'll make a difference but at work we have to change the SATA mode or the machines just BSOD?

Just worth a try if you haven't already.
 
Maundie said:
Have you tried changing the SATA mode in BIOS, try both Compatability and AHCI modes, not sure it'll make a difference but at work we have to change the SATA mode or the machines just BSOD?

Just worth a try if you haven't already.
Click to expand...

I have tried ahci and ata modes, still nothing
 
Dell mobos/bios are notoriously controlled (read locked).

In my experience changing CPUs/main OS HDDs/gfx causes all sorts of untold problems and frequently won't even post.

I would suggest reinstalling the original os from the Dell recovery DVD onto your new HDD rather than installing a new os.

If that doesn't work you need to go back to the last known working configuration - original OS and original HDD.

Alternatively try and find from Dell online kb's the supported os versions for that mobo or system and source that os version. Dell resellers might be able to advise you.
 
bertles86 said:
Dell mobos/bios are notoriously controlled (read locked).

In my experience changing CPUs/main OS HDDs/gfx causes all sorts of untold problems and frequently won't even post.

I would suggest reinstalling the original os from the Dell recovery DVD onto your new HDD rather than installing a new os.

If that doesn't work you need to go back to the last known working configuration - original OS and original HDD.

Alternatively try and find from Dell online kb's the supported os versions for that mobo or system and source that os version. Dell resellers might be able to advise you.
Click to expand...

original hdd with OS gone and formatted and in a new pc with new install on it, so that option is screwed!

i have installed new hdds with new installs on many acers and HP's and never had this problem
 
+1 for restore/reinstall from original Dell installation disk.

Don't you have such guy who for few quids would do it for you, like me ? ;-) I'd try to see the BIOS settings (including BIOS revision update, if any) and boot Safe Mode (F8) to see what it says.
 
booted in every safe mode available... nothing, same thing... looks like dell has locked the pc down into using the same hdd and the same windows only... and the system didn't come with a windows disc unfortunately.
 
What did it ship with W7? You can sometimes find the image of the original OS on Dell support site, bang in the numbers from the service tag and COA stickers and see if you can download it.

Or try calling Dell/MS and quoting the COA key asking for a replacement disc of the OS.
 
I take it you've pulled the CMOS battery, reset the BIOS settings to default, removed all extension cards prior to boot etc. All the usual?
 
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