Hard drive seek failure, does not boot

Is there a newer BIOS version or HD firmware to install on the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your model?

If not try resetting the BIOS to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Install CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World to get the latest SMART readout on the HD.

Determine the HD make/model by looking at it or googling it's listing string in Device Manager, then run the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan to get a definitive result, followed by another Disk Check.

These tests can repair a HD however I would never depend upon it again, keep it backed up closely, and be shopping for a replacement.

Greg,

Your suggestions motivated me to go poking around in the BIOS. I noticed that it seemed to be detecting a floppy drive, even though one did not exist. I found a setting to Disable Onboard FDC. Once I did that, the boot issue went away.

Thanks to all for your help, this computer is running quite nicely now.

My friend tells me that the boot error only started occurring last week. Seems odd that the computer would suddenly start seeing a non existent floppy drive.

We regularly see problems with leftover Floppy drives, floppy listings in BIOS, even ghosts of floppy's removed. Some users don't even know what a floppy is.