BleepingComputer.com: xps 420 wont boot

I'm working on a Dell XPS 420 desktop that will not boot. The OS is Windows Vista Home Premium. Intel Core2 duo processor, and 3 GB 667 MHz dual channel dual DDR2 RAM. Hard drive is a WD but not exactly sure the capacity or model.

When the power button is turned on, the Windows logo screen comes up, but then the system hangs on the next screen - black screen with the text:

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v7.6.1.1001 ICH9R
Copyright © 2003-07 INtel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

I've tried several troubleshooting techniques but I have been unsuccessful so far.

First, I tried to boot into safe mode and was unsuccessful. The only commands it will recognize are F2 and F12 to enter into setup and the Boot Device Menu.

Under the boot menu, I ran the Diagnostics utility and everything passed. However, once the tests are finished a window comes up and says "Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue." Nothing happens when I press a button. During the diagnostics, the 1,2,3 diagnostic lights were lit. I checked the light sequence list on Dell's website and it suggests checking all the cables to make sure everything is plugged in. I tried this but it didn't work.

After a Google search, I found where someone was experiencing a similar problem, and they resolved it by resetting the bios. This didn't work.

Another suggestion was to remove the CMOS battery for 30 seconds and then replace it. I tried this but it didn't work. I even tried replacing the battery but this didn't work either.

I checked all USB ports and memory card slots to make sure they are empty. The inside of the case was full of dust so I cleaned it thoroughly. I tried re-seating the RAM modules. There are 4 sticks of RAM, (2) 1 GB sticks and (2) 512 MB sticks. I tried using only one at a time to see if there was a problem with the memory, but this didn't work.

I tried changing the boot sequence and booting from the recovery disk, but it will not boot from a CD.

I've tried to disconnect all unnecessary components and use only the minimum to try and get it to start but still get the same thing.

I'm all out of ideas and I could use some help. Any suggestions?

Worth A Look.

Louis

On that Dell the first Diagnostics are in ROM. When it says booting Diagnostic partition it is trying to boot the remaining diagnostics from the hard drive. If you have access to the Dell disks that came with the computer one of them is bootable to run full diagnostics from.

My guess is bad Drive or bad MBR on the drive possibly from a virus. You need to press F2 to go into the bios settings and see the brand of hard drive and to be sure it is being detected. Then go to the makers website and download their Hard drive bootable test utility and test the drive.

Good Luck