At any rate, the little debug script on the partitioning page isn't anything magical; it just overwrites the partition table with zeros. Which, if the Dell in question has a hidden restore partition, will probably make it so that you can no longer restore using Ctrl-F11.
Reformatting the C: drive should be fine. Just leave the partition table, MBR, and any system restore partition (if it exists) alone.
Torben
[Edit: FWIW I tend to agree with sarma: it sounds like the CD has a scratch or something.]
System restore partions are evil. One of the reasons I don't like 'big box' companies like Dell. I always buy my machines from a reputable local company that offers a wide variety of components and offers good service/warranty.
System restore partions are evil. One of the reasons I don't like 'big box' companies like Dell. I always buy my machines from a reputable local company that offers a wide variety of components and offers good service/warranty.
Yep, I agree 100%. Give me a CD set anyday. Remember the good ol' days when you'd actually get an install CD for the OS you ostensibly bought with the machine? *sigh*
If it was my box, I'd boot the live CD, repartition the drive, and install Linux or *BSD. Maybe dual-boot to WinXP depending on the size of the disc.
I also prefer to support my local machine builders. But if someone drops a usable box on my lap and it's a Dell I don't bin it. Maybe turn it into a router or a distributed computing client or something. Or refurbish it and give it to FreeGeek or a school.
I will open the laptop, remove the drive, maybe there is some loose connection in the connector. Reading all the posts I think this might be one of the problems...If this fails I will get it repaired....or have the drive replaced
I will open the laptop, remove the drive, maybe there is some loose connection in the connector. Reading all the posts I think this might be one of the problems...If this fails I will get it repaired....or have the drive replaced
I suppose you could do that, but have you tried other CDs in the drive? Nothing you've said so far makes it sound like there's anything wrong with the CD drive.