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Dell Inspiron 5100 Hard Drive Booting Issue

Tags:
  • Hard Drives
  • Boot
  • Laptops
  • Inspiron
  • Dell Inspiron
  • HD
September 14, 2014 9:27:43 PM

Hi,

I just recently bought a old 2003 Inspiron (w/ATI M. Radeon graphics) to use as a sort of "retro" gaming system. Besides needing a new keyboard, it mostly functions well.

This issue I'm having is with the OS and booting. The HD is set as the first in the boot order, then DVD drive. When I start the computer, the hard drive is not recognized, therefore a "No Operating System Found" message. But, if I Ctrl-Alt-Del, the system then recognizes the hard drive and boots to Windows fine. Also, if I go into the BIOS on first boot, the HD is not listed. Exiting the BIOS restarts the computer, which then the HD to show up in the BIOS and will boot to Windows.

So, basically my hard drive seems to be working outside of not showing up on first boot. What would cause this? It's secured properly in the laptop, passes a diagnostic check, and doesn't seem to have a obvious mechanical issues. The whole thing was wiped when I got it... could this be MBR related? Bad connection on the motherboard?

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