Windows XP - Blue Screen of Death

[Nesaquaker]

I am getting the Blue Screen of Death when I try to start my computer.  When I go into set-up mode it says none of the devices are working.  I tried putting in the windows xp cd, but it will not recognize the drive.  It won't recognize any drives, actually.

Here is what I am looking at.  It's a Dell Dimension 4700:

Drive 0: ST380013AS - Fail.  Return code: 7
Drive 1: No device
Drive 2: JLMS DVD-ROM XJ-HD166 - Diagnostics not supported
Drive 3: HL-DT-ST GCE-8483B - Diagnostics not supported

[iamtonsoffun247]

Hmmm, return code 7 means, a lot of times, hard drive failure. You may need to get a new hard drive

[Nesaquaker]

I hope that is not the case, I need some files off of here.

[JJ 3000]

Clear CMOS

Open the computer case and look for the CMOS battery.
Make sure you are grounded before touching any internal components. Static electricity can fry the motherboard!
While you are in there, I would also, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air and make sure that the CD drive's data cable is plugged in properly, and the jumper is in the right position.

Have you tried more that one optical drive? Did you use the same data cable?

[Broni]

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD, and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, which is not listed, try using Hitachi tools.

[JJ 3000]

How can he run HD diagnostics if he cant use his CD drive?

[Broni]

We don't know that yet, because it may be boot order issue. Not explained, so far.