Russ

I've reviewed your post and the replies to date. It appears to me that 
this is not a hardware issue because the computer will BOOT (load XP) 
from the HD without problems under certain conditions. Therefor, I would 
concentrate on software (particularly the BIOS).

I would try a normal boot with the BIOS first set to default and ,if 
needed, set to "safe" (or similar wording) if available. As a further 
test of the BIOS, if needed, I would disconnect the IDE cable(s) and see 
if the computer completes the POST.

Based on your efforts to date, you have probably tried the forgoing, but 
I just thought I would try to help.

Tom
>
>>>> -------- Original Message --------
>>>> Subject: [PCBUILD] no boot?
>>>> From: Russ Cox<[log in to unmask]>
>>>> Date: Fri, December 31, 2010 6:41 pm
>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>
>>>> I am refurbishing a Dell Inspiron 4500, 1.4 GHz P4, 128 MB RAM, 120 GB
>>>> HDD. I have loaded XP Home several times and it seems to load ok. But
>>>> when I take the XP CD out, it won't boot from the HDD.
>>>> Here's what I've tried:
>>>> Loaded XP Home, no problem
>>>> Removed CD, won't boot
>>>> Reloaded XP 2X more, same result
>>>> Replaced hard drive, same result. Put original HDD back in Reset CMOS,
>>>> no better Tested memory, no problem Repaired MBR (fixmbr) with XP CD,
>>>> no improvement Repaired boot sector(fixboot) with XP CD, no
>>>> improvement Ran chkdsk, said no problem, but on second try said there
>>>> were some errors, did not offer to mark bad sectors ??
>>>> If I put the XP CD in the drive, then do_not_ press "start with CD",
>>>> it starts fine from the HDD??
>>>> Short test and long test with Seagate HDD test shows no problems.
>>>> Replaced the IDE cable, no improvement.
>>>> Any ideas what might be causing this?
>>>>   
>

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