Startup problem!

[dynam0z]

Okay, I bought a Gateway notebook just several months ago, but my mom accidentally dropped a large textbook on it. I've ignored this problem, but I've decided to try to get it fixed now. Here is the message that I get when I start the computer:

Intel UNDI, PXE-2.1 (build 082)
Copyright (C) 1997-2000 Intel Corporation

For Realtek RTL8101E 10/100 PCI-Express Ethernet Adapter v1.03 (070618)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM.
Operating System not found

Okay...so I checked the harddrive to see that it was connected and it was. So, I tried to F8 my way into Advanced Boot Options, but, to my dismay, it never worked. I checked BIOS, and everything is there. My last option was to get into Startup Repair by booting into the Operating System Installation CD. Startup Repair was finding errors......and then I click to restart the computer and fix problems.....EXCEPT when it comes to this:

Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: StartupRepairV2
Problem Signature 01: ExternalMedia
Problem Signature 02: 6.0.6001.18000.0.0.0.0
Problem Signature 03: 0
Problem Signature 04: 65537
Problem Signature 05: unknown
Problem Signature 06: NoHardDrive
Problem Signature 07: 0
Problem Signature 08: 0
Problem Signature 09: unknown
Problem Signature 10: 1168
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033

Please help me get back into my computer!!!! do you think my hard drive broke??

 

[Night Hawk]

Each one of those numbers is a specific error code possibly faulty hardware like the hard drive itself. Is that the M460 model? Gateway Support - QCD10MBZZZ06C8 Gateway M460 Notebook

 

[dynam0z]

No. It's a M-6866. Thanx for the reply tho! I really need to get this notebook fixed because I'm going to need it for something.

 

[Night Hawk]

I took one part of the error information you posted above, PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
and ended up at Gateway Support

The results for Problem Signature 06: NoHardDrive
are seen at Gateway Support

You can see where their support site can lead you on a wild goose chase rather then bringing you to any page with an error code chart for the apparent hardware errors you are running into there. One way to find out if the drive was still good would be removing it from the laptop and using an external usb enclosure to see if the drive could still be read from as well as using a drive dianostics tool on it

Did you find any external damage to the casing of the laptop itself? Besides the hard drive or optical drive the board itself may have suffered damage.

 

[dynam0z]

Nope, there aren't any external damage, so I was assuming that something internal became inactive or "broken."
I was thinking maybe my hd was not working because the operating system was not found.
I will try to use a usb eclosure, although I do not have one at the moment. I'll see how it goes.... thanx Mr. Night Fox!!

 

[Night Hawk]

You can try replugging the drive's cable in to see if that was lifted up a little causing the no os found type error to be seen. When the laptop was dropped what did it land on? a hard floor, carpeted floor, ?

The impact could have simply seen that which would be good for you there rather then replacing a drive/OS.

 

[dynam0z]

I opened up the casing on the bottom, taking out the hard drive and putting it in again, making sure that the cable is nicely connected...but I still get the problem.
Oh and about the dropping on the floor...it wasn't dropped on the floor. I forgot to replace "it" to "a large textbook" on the top description. So, the laptop got hit pretty hard on the top surface...

I'll fix the original post...

I really wish I can recover my files on the harddrive...

 

[dinesh]

Do you have any in-built hard drive test loaded on the computer?
Most laptops like HP, Dell and Sony have the Hard drive and memory test feature. I think your laptop too should have one.

 

[johngalt]

If the laptop was operating and it took a hit from the top, then your HD may be hosed.

I fried a Dell Latitude once by replacing the letter Z key while the thing was operating - yes, replacing the Z on the keyboard. I snapped it in place and the drive died.

 

[dynam0z]

yea.. I tried the memory test on the Startup Repair, but that didn't work for some reason. so..i need to buy a new hd????

 

[johngalt]

Can you be more specific as to what you mean by "it didn't work"?

If the Memory test failed, it indicates a problem with your Memory - memory is not HD, it is RAM.

 

[dynam0z]

Oops, sorry about the unspecificity. I clicked Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool in the System Recovery Options.....I click to Restart now and check for problems....and then I get this !error message:

Windows cannot check for memory problems

A problem is preventing Windows from checking for memory problems during startup. Try to check for problems again by running the tool manually.

I don't think it's the memory because I get that the "Operating System not found."

 

[johngalt]

Quite possibly that is it - however, if you ahve a Vista DVD you can still run the memory diagnostics off of that as well.

 

[dynam0z]

That is what I had done when I ran the memory diagnostics, meaning I used the Vista Operating System Installation CD.

 

[johngalt]

OK, based upon all this info, now, you ran the test from the DVD and Code 06 says No HD Found - I'd say that pretty much solidifies that the HD is toast.

You might could take it out and get a USB to IDE / SATA tester to see if it works on another machine - it may not actually be dead, it could just be a BIOS SNAFU....

 

[dynam0z]

Thanks johngalt. I'll see if my other machine can read the HD with a cable once I get it asap....and see how it goes.

 

[johngalt]

Kewl - post back with results.

Though, I am not happy to say, I suspect your HD has indeed crashed....

 

[Night Hawk]

I strongly suspect that as well since you can't drop hard drives on the floor. That's why I was asking before about whether that was on a hard wood or carpeted floor to get an idea of the impact the laptop saw.

Once you have hooked up to another system with a 2.5" external enclosure or even in another laptop you'll know fast enough.

 

[dinesh]

Instead of directly buying a new HDD, try connecting a spare HDD from your friend's computer to see if that HDD works with your computer. It will save both time and money.

 

[Night Hawk]

Instead of directly buying a new HDD, try connecting a spare HDD from your friend's computer to see if that HDD works with your computer. It will save both time and money.

He would need to have another 2.5" notebook drive available to try that out.