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General discussion

No boot device available

Nov 29, 2010 10:07AM PST

I just added more memory to my Dell computer. When I restarted the computer I get the message, "no boot drive available". The only thing I did not do in installing the extra memory was remove the PCI Express x 16 connector. It was impossible to remove so I did'nt bother. Plus, the tab on the end fell off and I couldn't put it back on. Could this be causing the problem? I checked the extra memory and it shows to be in stalled.

Discussion is locked

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Update
Nov 29, 2010 12:38PM PST

After double-checking, I see there's no Express card in the slot for it. Any help? Please respond.

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memory isn't related to pci express
Nov 30, 2010 10:23AM PST

i believe that whatever you did to the pci-express slot caused the problem. you might have dislodged the sata connectors to your hard drive. you could try removing the memory and see if that corrects the problem -- if so, the memory is not working properly with your pc and you should call dell or check dell.com to ensure it is compatible. otherwise, check all your drive/mobo connections and hope you didn't short the mobo.

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no boot device........
Dec 2, 2010 8:33AM PST

I do appreciate the feed-back. On restart I get the message, "no boot device able". After several tries to re-boot. I may just get a dark screen with a blinking cursor, depending on what I'm trying to do. I tried to use my reinstallation DVD but it tells me it "can't repair it". It also says it "can't find the hard drive or it is not responding". I did remove the new memory and re-boot with the old memory but it still tells me "no boot device available".

I've installed memory before and never had any trouble. I have always bought my memory from Crucial and never had a problem.

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recheck the connectors
Dec 3, 2010 1:57AM PST

Reseat(push in) the hard drive connectors. Follow the data cable back to the motherboard and reseat the connector. Older style SATA data cable just plugs in and could be loose. The newer style have a metal latching device.