This is the 3rd time my laptop has crashed and Im incredibly frustrated. Ive had to completely reinstall Windows twice, and had to buy 1 new hard drive...I have no idea why- I dont go to any "questionable" sites and I have antivirus software running constantly.

Anyway, my computer wouldnt start up so I ran a diagnostics test

DST Short Status Test Fail
Error Code: 1000-0146
Msg: Unit O:IDE Status fail Status byte=64 ControlCode=1 Msg=No 2 Additional sense information


{Mod Edit: Moved to Hardware from Am I Infected,boopme}

Hi AgCoach, I believe 9 out of 10 times this is a Hard Drive Failing problem. So I'm moving the topic the HARDWARE forum to get better exposure. That said I would try to get my important files backed off the drive.
Also is this XP,make and model of hard drive and PC would help.

This is an Inspiron 9300 Running Windows Media Center Edition

You need to run the long test (by hard drive manufacturer) to be sure of the drive's status.

A number of drives pass the short and fail the long. I realize yours failed the short but the long test is the more extensivel, better tool.

Of course, follow the suggestions posted previously first .

Louis

could be your IDE controller on your mobo...

if you are using this laptop for work, it might be cheaper for you(productivity wise) to drop it into a pc shop..