Diskette Drive 0 Seek Failure

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by wrath663, Mar 26, 2009.

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  1. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    I've been searching for weeks tried everything I can think of and I still can't get past this

    I have a Dell Dimension 2400, and on boot up it says "Diskette Drive 0 Seek Failure" and it doesn't come a floppy drive and it doesn't let me get into Set up.

    First I tried to install a floppy drive but the computer won't boot pass the Bios and stops before the Bios boot is done and it stays there and doesn't reboot.

    Then I tried to default the Bios by taking out the MB battery for 3 days, did not do anything.

    I tried a few other things such as Replacing the HDD, RAM, and also the ribbon cables connecting the Floppy drive.

    I know many people have ran into this problem but I have found a clear solution.

    Does anyone have any ideas on fixing this?
     
    wrath663, Mar 26, 2009
    #1
  2. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    System Setup Program link
    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/syssetup.htm#1105422

    Entering the System Setup Program

    1:Turn on (or restart) your computer.
    2:When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.

    If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

     
    ddp, Mar 26, 2009
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  3. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    When I have the Floppy in the Bios doesn't even boot

    and when I don't have it in, it just goes straight to "diskette drive 0 seek failure" even when I press F2 or F12
     
    wrath663, Mar 26, 2009
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  4. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    check to see if the bios is picking up the hard drive.
     
    ddp, Mar 27, 2009
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  5. scorpNZ

    scorpNZ Active member

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    Press F2 as soon as comp boots not after error message,kinda strange tho i'd expect the comp to continue booting to the hdd even if floppy is stuffed unless the hdd isn't being detected which is what ddp is trying to establish,is the hdd ribbon connected snuggly at each end & not one end in & the other end partly ajar
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2009
    scorpNZ, Mar 27, 2009
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  6. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    I continuously press F2 as soon as I hit the power button

    I cant get into the Bios it just goes straight to the Error Message

    and If I boot with the Floppy Drive installed the Bios doesn't even boot

     
    wrath663, Mar 28, 2009
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  7. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    moved to correct forum.
     
    ddp, Mar 28, 2009
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  8. varnull

    varnull Guest

    some dells are odd like this.

    The floppy needs to be removed from the boot devices list completely.. especially if there isn't one fitted. I set them cd then hdd and search for other boot devices disabled.

    Does sound a little like somebody has tried to "update" the system bios.. or loaded factory defaults.
     
    varnull, Mar 28, 2009
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  9. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    I cannot get into the bios to even change the option

    and the computer was used by kids to i doubt they tried to upgrade the bios
     
    wrath663, Mar 28, 2009
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  10. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    Any more ideas?
     
    wrath663, Mar 31, 2009
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  11. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    reseat the power & data cable to the hard drive. try another data cable to hard drive. how many drives are on hard drive data cable? did you jumper new drive to be same as old drive as dells are usually cable select? clear the cmos using the jumper at jp2 located in the system components link below.
    Advanced Troubleshooting link
    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/advtshoo.htm
    computer technical manual link
    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/index.htm
    System Board Components link
    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/techov.htm#1105465

     
    ddp, Mar 31, 2009
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  12. varnull

    varnull Guest

    *sniggers*

    if it doesn't post with the floppy drive connected then the cable is the wrong way up and the hdd light will be on.

    unplug all the drives then boot.
     
    varnull, Mar 31, 2009
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  13. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    There is only one Hard drive installed with the original jumper setting

    There is also a DVD Drive but I haven't touch its settings

    I replaced all of the data cables with brand new ones.

    I changed the jumper but the computer doesn't start, monitor doesn't recognize that the computer is on and the Orange LED's come on in the Front of the tower.

    But when I reboot with the Jumper off it boots, with same error message

    and "Invalid configuration information - please run set up" and I still can't get into the Bios.
     
    wrath663, Mar 31, 2009
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  14. scorpNZ

    scorpNZ Active member

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    Bite the bullet & take it to a comp repair shop
     
    scorpNZ, Mar 31, 2009
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  15. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    the hard drive is a western digital being the jumper has to be off. 2nd what scorp says.
     
    ddp, Mar 31, 2009
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  16. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    i was just asking around before I just buy a new Motherboard
     
    wrath663, Mar 31, 2009
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  17. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    have it checked out 1st as might not be motherboard issue.
     
    ddp, Mar 31, 2009
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  18. pcdoc1

    pcdoc1 Guest

    Which orange LEDs are you referring to wrath663? The power button?
    As for buying a replacement motherboard you will need to get another Dell board because of the proprietary connector to the front panel.
     
    pcdoc1, Mar 31, 2009
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  19. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    I know about the motherboard, the connector that connects the power button.

    And all signs point to the motherboard, i found a replacement for only 30 so its worth a try
     
    wrath663, Mar 31, 2009
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  20. wrath663

    wrath663 Member

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    Yes the LED in front and the power button turned orange
     
    wrath663, Apr 1, 2009
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