Hi demon2192, Thank you for your prompt response. Error code 2000: 0146 may imply a possible 'hard drive' failure. For more decisive results, I recommend you to run a 'Custom Test' on the laptop's 'Hard Drive'. 'Custom Test' is an advanced diagnostic test and is capable of producing more reliable results. Follow the steps listed below to launch the hard drive custom test:- Power off the laptop (Ensure that AC Adapter cable is plugged in)- Power on the laptop and repeatedly tap key - Select option 'Diagnostics' Here are some screen shots demonstrating the progress of the PSA+ Diagnostics:              Tap if color bars appear (Refer to the image above)    If 2000:0146 error appears, please ignore the message and go ahead with the testing    Tap to launch 32 bit Diagnostics (Following screen appears):    From the factory the system's 'hard drive' will include a hidden partition with 32 bit Dell Diagnostics. After the completion of basic diagnostic process, you will be asked to continue to this Diagnostics program. If for some reason the hidden partition is not found on the hard drive, you will be presented with the option to insert the Resource DVD. Following screen appears in that case:   If required, use the Resource CD and follow the steps given below:- Insert Recovery CD- Shut down and restart the desktop- When Dell logo appears, immediately tap repeatedly NOTE: 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.- When the boot device list appears, highlight the option CD/DVD/CD-RW and press - Boot from CD-ROM from the menu that appears and press - This message appears ‘Press any key to boot from the CD’ - Promptly hit NOTE: If you wait too long and Dell Diagnostic screen does not appear, then, shut down your computer and repeat all steps. (Following screen appears):   - Press When the Dell Diagnostics main menu appears, select the test you want to run - Select Custom Test (Refer to image below)    - Click <+> sign besides 'Hard Drive' (Refer to image below)- Highlight 'SATA Disk'- Place a tick mark in 'Non-Interactive Tests Only'- Click 'Run Test'   - For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem- Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears Do reply with the findings. I would be glad to assist.

Hi Ryan,   similar to this poster, I have a hard drive 'issue' with same error code. Here's what I posted elsewhere in the forum today [first time poster]. ============    My laptop was fine yesterday. Today, it won't boot to the Win 7 screen and cannot get it to work at all. The farthest I get is to 'part' of the Windows 7 main screen! Meaning the blue background, with the green grass sprig and the small white bird near it, both on the right of the screen. I also get a larger white arrow cursor that I can move, but there's nothing to point at.  At power on is the Windows Error Recovery:   - 'Launch start up repair (recommended)'  or  'Start Windows normally'    Choosing the first it shows- 'Windows is loading files'     (it looks like a DOS type screen).  I did the F8 Advanced Boot options diags and all ran fine except the drive test which showed: Error = 2000 0142,  Validation 60891,   H/D 0  s/n 5verss6e, Self test fail status 7 My Q: is.... Is it 'necessarily' a bad drive since I do get a simplistic Windows screen, or could it be something I can fix?    Might a restore [don't have a disc] help? Any info is greatly appreciated. Regards, Golfguyyyy===============

Hi Yash,

I'm David, an Independent Advisor, here to help you.

I understand that you have performed the diagnosis of your Dell equipment.

This error means that your hard drive has a problem. The best you can do is to make a backup of your files on the partitions that still work as soon as possible and replace the HD. Problems with HD tend to get worse over time.

Check the error "Validation" and "Msg" as well and see if your equipment is under warranty by Dell.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us?app=war...

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