Dell Inspiron 1545 - Won't boot. Error code 2000-1042. Any fix?

I've had my computer for 8 months, it's a dell inspiron 1545 running windows 7 home premium. I'm suddenly unable to start the computer as it just comes up with a blue windows 7 screen with a cursor and that's it. I've tried starting it in normal mode and and startup repair but the same thing happens with both. I ran the diagnostics test and it came up with error code 2000-0142 which after googling i've found is a hard drive problem.

Can anyone help me fix this problem? Will reinstalling windows 7 wipe my hard drive?

I do not know alot about computers so any help would be greatly appreciated!
Lee92

What is the name of the drive and what diagnostic test did you run?
When you say you have tried starting it in normal mode, you need to be able to get to that screen - correct?
At that screen is there an option to "start the computer when it was last known to be working correctly" or words similar?

Just found this:

Hiya People - I have successfully managed to fix this error.

I too have experienced similar problem where for no reason our Dell Vostro 1510 laptop just stopped working without warning, no noises, no bumps, no spikes and no other significant identifiable reason to stop working.

Received the Blue Screen and after not being able to boot up in safe mode, or in safe mode with networking, or safe mode with command prompts.

The Blue Screen came up with :
error code : 0142
message error code : 2000-0142
message : harddrive 1 - self test unsuccessful = status 79

Another diagnostic message
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

Also got error messages during diagnostics, however the above seem to be the common theme of many other peoples problems.


After trawling through countless forums and numerous google combinations seeking info on this issue, no one seemed to be able to offer a solution to get the machine operational to be able to save data.

This is what I did after piecing together snippets of info from multiple websites and hours of frustration.

Insert your OS disk into your cd/dvd drive
As the machine boots up - it should have an option to hit F2 or F12
Hit the F12 key
This will give you the option of where to boot your machine from.
Select boot from CD/DVD drive

For me windows loaded some files and gave me an option to either install windows or repair.

I selected repair

I was then asked for the admin password -- typed it in.

It brings you to a command prompt :

Type in CHKDSK
or
Type in CHKDSK/R

Hit the ENTER key

Once your machine has finished and repairing the hard drive, type EXIT and press ENTER to restart your laptop.

PRESTO THE STUPID DELL LAPTOP IS NOW BOOTING UP AND IS NOW HAVING ALL ITS DATA BACKED UP.

I have also found another command that could be tried if the above fails. Bear in mind, i didnt have to do it, but will post it here anyway.

After the command prompt - type in FIXBOOT


According to the DELL website the error code 2000-0142 is a Drive Self Test failed error code. http://support.dell.com/support/topi...ED2&doclang=en

This has worked out for myself and i do hope it works for you.

Hi, have this error recently on my Dell. I have had it for almost 5 years but this is the second time I have had this happen and I was told by Dell to replace the hard drive. Yes, I know but I need to recover data. Yes this is my second time having a HD fail on me, first was with HP and I know I should have learned to be more diligent in backing it up, but all wasn't. And I need to recover it.

When you ran your windows disk, where did you get it? Can I use an OEM of Windows 7 Home Premium? Or should I use some sort of restore disk from Dell?

Download a copy of Kyhi's Bootable Rescue Disk. I would use the 32 Bit (x86) version. Either burn it to a DVD or extract it to a USB flash drive. Boot from the DVD or USB flash drive. Use it to copy all your files to an external hard drive or a different flash drive.

Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable Rescue Disk - Windows 10 Forums

Have you ever used knopix for a recovery of files? Is it o what you are suggesting? I just got a copy from a friend that suggested it and basically gave me the same instructions you did. What do you think?

It is the same basic idea, boot from a live version of any operation system and recover your files. Live means the operating system runs off the USB flash drive or DVD. Knopix is a Linux OS, I have never used Knopix but I have used Ubuntu and Linux Mint to recover files. All three are Linux operating systems and any one of them will work. The only reason I suggested KYHI's rescue disk is because it's a live version of Windows and I thought it would be easier for you to use.

Great, if I ha e any issue with Knopix I will try KYHI, I appreciate your help, thanks!