diskette drive 0 seek failure

[linny0486]

Hi

We just got a computer from my boyfriend's parents. They said someone changed the password (perhaps one of their sons) and they weren't sure of what it was. So, when my boyfriend got the computer up and running it asked for the password, and not being computer literate whatsoever, he entered in more than 7 passwords. Now we are messed, and we can't type ANYTHING. when we hold down F8 or F2 or F1 when it reboots it beeps everytime we push it. Or there is a long continuous beep if we hold it. The error message "Diskette drive 0 seek failure" pops up. It is a Dell 4700 Dimension
It says Phoenix at the top. I've read some online trial and error blurbs, but none of them have the problem of not being able to type. Dell can help us for ONLY $39.99 'cause the waranty is expired. That is crap, they should provide free service for life. Any suggestions? Let me know if you need more detailed info. It will not go past the black and white Dell menu.

Thanks.

[glc]

Press F12 when you turn it on and start running system diagnostics.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by linny0486 Hi We just got a computer from my boyfriend's parents. They said someone changed the password (perhaps one of their sons) and they weren't sure of what it was. So, when my boyfriend got the computer up and running it asked for the password, and not being computer literate whatsoever, he entered in more than 7 passwords. Now we are messed, and we can't type ANYTHING. when we hold down F8 or F2 or F1 when it reboots it beeps everytime we push it. Or there is a long continuous beep if we hold it. The error message "Diskette drive 0 seek failure" pops up. It is a Dell 4700 Dimension It says Phoenix at the top. I've read some online trial and error blurbs, but none of them have the problem of not being able to type. Dell can help us for ONLY $39.99 'cause the waranty is expired. That is crap, they should provide free service for life. Any suggestions? Let me know if you need more detailed info. It will not go past the black and white Dell menu. Thanks.

Do you have to enter the password as soon as you start up the computer, or when you have to log into windows?

[linny0486]

The computer prompts you to enter the password after the error message, and then when you go to type it, the letters don't show up and it beeps. It asks for the password when it first boots- There isn't even a windows start up display. It's the full black screen, white letters, no images.

[glc]

Download the manual for the computer from support.dell.com, and follow the procedure for clearing the CMOS. It should involve unplugging it, opening it up, and moving a jumper. On some Dells, there is a separate jumper for clearing the password.