I have INSPIRON 640m. From many months it gives an error saying "Windows deteted hard disk problem". Please back up your files and contact computer manufacturer. In details it syas WDC WD1200BEVS-75RSTO ATA decice hard disk failure. I put back my laptop to factory stetting but it still gives this error. I even did a disk clean up.

NO BOOTABLE DEVICE When the PC cannot see a boot file/disk on either the hard disk or floppy drive it gives an error message "No bootable device. Insert boot disk and press any key"
There may be a hard disk problem.
Check the BIOS to see if the hard disk is detected, if not open the case and re-seat the hard drive and also where it connects to the motherboard.
If it still gives this error message and the BIOS does not detect this hard drive, then the hard drive is probably faulty.

To get the computer operating again, install a new hard drive in your computer and then install Windows on this hard drive plus the computer's device drivers and your programs.

You can recover data from hard drive with data recovery software.Then format the drive toget it fixed.
For data recovery program,here are two of the best Iused.

For Windows: http://www.any-data-recovery.com/index.htm
For Mac: http://www.stellarinfo.com/mac-data-recovery.htm

You can download one of them and scan your hard drive for free to previewwhether your files can be recovered. They will show you the file name, type, dateand of your files and thumbnails for your pictures that it found on yourdrive.

The hard drive may had a BAD SECTOR ( corrupt section )
try to format with normal mode,NOT quick format.
try using LLFTOOL ( hard disk low level format ) http://hddguru.com
quite bit longer to fix the bad section,but works.

akee.4shared.com

Hi there,
please check if you can remove and reinsert the hard drive from its's location. usually you would have to remove 3 or 4 screws on the bottom part of the laptop and slide the hard drive out. once it's out put it back in and make sure that it's tightly on its place.
If this does not work you may have to replace the hard drive because the message means that it cannot detect the hard drive and it might just have to be replaced.

Hi. Error 0146 is pertaining to a failing hard drive. You can still try to reinstall Windows Vista by requesting for a CD from Dell by contacting them.

If they fail to send you a CD or if the error still comes up after reinstalling Vista, then you need to replace your hard drive.

Its time you backup your data and contact Dell to get your hard drive replaced (in case your computer is in warranty) else order for a new hard drive compatible with your computer.

You will need your Windows CD that came with your computer, if you did not get it contact Dell about the same.

You can try repairing the windows by using a windows bootable cd, but yes I would recommend you to save your important data first for that you'll be needing a box which looks like this You can get this easily from the market, just say I need a External Enclosure for a Laptop Hard Disk Drive. But remember to match the type of your hard disk. It is better to take the hard disk with you.

Hope this helps, Please feel free to ask me any further.

Hello,

Unfortunately you will need the restore disk to correct this problem. Even if you copy the old disk to the new, chances are you will copy the corrupt files and have TWO bad copies of xp. You can order the restore disk from Dell on average about $30.

Good Luck
C2Solutions

try pressing f8 when you load vista and then select start normally
if that doest not work and gives you the same error then restart and press F12 as soon as you see the dell logo, put in the vista installation disk that you got with the laptop and select boot with disk option.

try and repair or the recovery option .

NOTE : IT IS RECOMMENDED TO TAKE BACK UP OF YOUR FILES BEFORE USING THE RECOVERY OPTION .