My dell xps m140 is making a small knocking noise at intervals with hard disk light flickering with each noise. What could be the reason for this noise, and how can it be resolved?

you can download it from here
http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/NETWORK-CARD/OTHER-NETWORK-CARDS/Dell-XPS-M140-350-Intel-Pro-Wireless-Driver.shtml

Most laptop or notebook computers feature enhanced BIOS security, and BIOS passwords on laptops are hard to bypass. Several companies offer laptop security chip services that can be used to bypass the BIOS password on Dell laptops or notebooks and reset the security. They can provide a master password from the Dell Service Tag of your Dell laptop. This master password will allow you to bypass the existing password and enter the BIOS and reset the unknown password. To generate the master password they need to know the Dell Service Tag of your unit. Dell Master Password Recovery does not require soldering or disassembly of the laptop and supports most Dell models.

Dell BIOS passwords can also be reset by replacing the laptop security chip. Passwords can also be recovered from security chips that have been removed from laptop or notebook systems. These passwords may be required to attempt to unlock protected hard disks. Passwords recovered from these chips are the original BIOS passwords and may be the same as the hard disk password, but are not guaranteed to be the same and may not unlock the hard disk.These are usually damaged in the process of recovering the passwords and are not suitable for replacement into a computer.

Code 0146 is hard drive read/write failure.

Replace the hard disk drive

Take a flask light and hold it at an angle toward the screen. See if you can see the desktop in the background. If you can your inverter needs to be replaced. The inverter is a small circuit board that lights the screen, much like the balast in a flourescent light.

check the ram n hard disk

Make sure any programs that consist of sound for example " Soundman" is running this can cause a conflict with your audio. Check for updates if you can

Notebooks usually don't have high res . They trade off the high resulation  for the small size and less power consumption.

The virus could have scrambled and or removed your Windows operating files on your hard disk.
If you can get into your BIOS and it still detect your hard disk, then I suggest your delete your hard disk partition, create a new one and install Windows again including all your device drivers (video, audio, network etc.) and latest Windows service pack and your programs.

Most laptops that I have worked on that power off that quickly turned out to be an overheating problem. Is the cooling fan running for the brief period that you can hear the hard drive before it powers off ? If the fan is running another potential resolution might be to remove the processor and apply new thermal paste.

What was the reason for the fix?

Have you replaced anything?

How are you trying to do the fix exactly?

What is it doinfg exactly during the operation, any noise, lights flashing, error codes, anything?