Plug and play configuration error, dell dimension 8200

[jto916]

I have a cranky old dell dimension 8200 that I have 3 external hdd connected to. While cleaning behind the computer I simply brushed against the USB cables and now am getting 3 lines of "Plug & Play Configuration Error" with the command to strike f1 to continue or f2 to run setup. Striking f1 has the system boot but the display is all out of whack and no programs want to load. Help please. Thanks.

[DaveLembke]

Do you have the Windows Disc to perform a repair installation of XP?

[patio]

If you do not...another thing you can try is via Device Manager remove ALL instances of USB roots and hubs...you will recieve an error warning...ignore it.
Re-boot and see if it fixes the issue.

[DaveLembke]

Striking f1 has the system boot but the display is all out of whack and no programs want to load.

Patio's suggestion might fix this if out of whack display means that you can still navigate, but resolution is messed up etc. But if its beyond navigational means then a repair install may be needed to correct this. I assumed that out of whack is = beyond navigational means with mouse and visual GUI.

[kyle_engineer]

Also, have you tried restarting with the ext HDDs disconnected?

It kinda sounds to me like the HDDs are creating P&P errors that are then affecting your monitor. I say that since it renders 3 errors and you have the 3 drives. You don't have 3 monitors on a P&P config... So I'd lean toward it being an issues like that. Also - it's a really quick test!

1) Ensure PC is off.
2) Unplug ALL 3 external HDDs.
3) Power PC back on.

If it starts then you can reconnect the HDDs and they usually work fine.

Anyway, it may not work, but many of my older Dells throw errors when booting with large USB storage attached. And it's possible that josteling the USB ports confused something.

If this doesn't work, then I'd go with the other suggestions. But this is a quick thing to try.

[patio]

Good points...