hard drive

[huey]

i recently recived an old dell computer dimension xps p120c the problem is it won't boot to the hard drive it just says please wait and never does anything unless i unplug the hard drive's ide cable then it goes to a kinda of information screen like it is looking for something -then i plug it back in and it works if i restart then i have to do the same thing anyone know why this is

[Rob]

I had a Dell do a very similar thing once and never could get a solid answer. They ended up replacing the drive.

Sorry that I do not have any advice.

[Alan]

That would indicate that your hard-drive is failing or has bad sectors.

[southshore]

do you have the original install disk?
Can you access the BIOS?
If you acquire the BIOS then try to discover your hard drive. If no HD discovered then reset the calbles.

Originally Posted by huey

i recently recived an old dell computer dimension xps p120c the problem is it won't boot to the hard drive it just says please wait and never does anything unless i unplug the hard drive's ide cable then it goes to a kinda of information screen like it is looking for something -then i plug it back in and it works if i restart then i have to do the same thing anyone know why this is