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This is on a Dell Dimmension E310.
Can I launch it w/o a XP disk and if so will it repair the OS or wipe out the data and install a new OS?
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There are far too many variations on these CDs so let's leave it at "we only lose what we don't backup."
Installing XP is a little rough on some. The e310 could have SATA drives or other things that stump those that install XP. Tell a little more.
Bob
I can see the drive using SATA to USB cable but can't open the doc files and my friend is out of town so I'll have to wait until he gets back to see if he's backed up his files. Then I'll try the "Launch Startup Repair" option. Just don't want to wipe everything until I ck ? him.
Also found this but haven't had a chance to peruse it yet. http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/
Thanks for the post.
There is a BIOS SETTING that causes that message. It's a simple thing and the NAME CHANGES but it is like "SATA IDE EMULATION." Change that and try again.
Bob
I don't see anything like that.
The Bios is Dell System DV051
Also he has it password protected but although I can't change anything, I can see everything.
I got:
System
Drives
Onboard Devices
Video
Performance
Security
Power Mgt
Maintenance
Post Behavior
Think it's ok to run malware and virus scan?
If they have protected the settings then the most common cause I've run into is not an option for you.
Then again I have yet to consider that password a hurdle. I open the case and reset the cmos password (sorry but as there are some thousand procedures I'll leave it at that) and then setup the BIOS again.
Bob
He'll be back in town on Sunday so I'll be able to get the password.
I don't have any files on it but wanted to backup up[ his stuff before I tried anything.
I'm not getting a clear story here. Let's recap.
1. Can't get past Launch Startup Repair.
2. It's running XP.
The startup repair is usually in Windows past XP which is why I ask.
Bob
1. "Can't get past Launch Startup Repair." but can get into setup or using SATA to USB cable I can get into some folders.
2. Must be running Vista or Win7. Originally had XP but he must have upgraded.
The XP CD is a good way to create troubles.
But the BIOS AHCI IDE SATA (the name changes too often for me to research or guess) setting is one I've try if the startup repair fails.
The SATA to USB cable is useful to get files out but Windows doesn't boot from that so never repair a Windows OS like that.
Bob
Now have his "repair disk" and Win 7 disk.
However, his BIOS is password protected and he did not set it. So I've taken the battery out to reset the BIOS. Wasn't able to start from CD/DVD and couldn't change boot order because of the password.
Still can't find anything in BIOS to change the setting you mentioned.
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