computer wont boot to windows

[yourfavouritegeek]

im fixing my brothers desktop for him and im stumped, tried heaps of methods found online but no luck. the computer posts fine, but after post it comes into an 'error mode' it says the following -
controller bus #00 device #1f function#02:03 ports, 02devices
port-00:harddisk, wdc...
             (this device is controlled by the RAID BIOS)
port-04:CDROM....
...
AHCI BIOS installed

anyone know how to fix it without a clean install?

things tried -
CMOS reset
resetting the bios to default
replacing cables
ubuntu drive
dell test features

--------------------------------------
computer info:
dell dimension e520
windows xp media centre edition 2006

[truenorth]

What do you have in the way of discs?truenorth

[yourfavouritegeek]

no system discs, lost them.

[truenorth]

Given the limited access you have to the computer you may not be able to do this.If you can enter safe mode you can try it from there.
http://www.ehow.com/how_6101451_create-center-boot-disk-preinstall.html
truenorth

[patio]

no system discs, lost them.

Contact Dell for replacement media...nominal charge...+ shipping.
You may want to try replacing the CMOS battery as well...Part # CR 2032...available anywhere.

[yourfavouritegeek]

what do i do if i cant access safe mode?

[truenorth]

patio has suggested 2 alternatives you could try those however it is looking more likely you will need to procure some disc. You could try removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes and reinstalling it.truenorth
P.S. How did you try getting into safe mode?

[yourfavouritegeek]

tried the f8 while on the black screen, ive also tried taking the cmos battery out for about 8-9 hours. might be able to get the disks. i think its a problem with the bios or the harddrive, a Courriel boot sector maybe?

[truenorth]

" might be able to get the disks" likely to be your best hope.truenorth

[Lisa_maree]

I would go into the bios and set the Western Digital drive to ACHI mode not raid as that error says it is the mode it is running in. Then run the harddrive diagnostics in the bios to test the hard drive. if that all checks ok try to boot from the hard drive. Are you sure the computer has only 1 hard drive. if it doesn't have then 1 drive has failed and the raid isn't able to boot if that makes sense.
If you remove the side and check the bottom front of the machine you will be able to tell if there is more than 1 hard drive if so please post back the results.

Lisa