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? >>>> > Visit our website regularly for FAQs, articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more http://freepctech.com