Need help with Dell Computer

On dells it is I believe 'f1' or 'f2' to get into setup.

It sounds like maybe the drive is not physically hooked up correctly, or maybe not set to master or slave or single correctly.

Did you partition and format the drive and install the operating system?
Check the jumper settings on the back of drive to set drive as Master or Slave
Connect to Primary Controller cable,make sure that color edge id on pin 1
Check to make sure that drive LED's light up and that the drive is power supply connector securely.
Once you set the BIOS configuration to AUTO
Insert the boot disk and partition and format the drive

Just to add to the other postings;

If you simply copied the files from your old drive onto the new drive, it may not be properly configured as a bootable drive.

You may need to re-install your operating system in order to make the drive boot.
How old is your Dell compared to the new drive?
If your Dell is more than 4 years old it may not be able to recognize some of the new large drives.

As far as getting into the BIOS setup, check the manual, or Dell's web site to verify how to enter BIOS setup for your model.

Some MBs have a jumper that needs to be changed to enter setup.

Many Dell computers is a F2 to get to the bios... but it will depend on the model. Check the manual.

It sounds as if you EXCHANGED drives, essentially taking out the old one and putting in the new.

You need to get the bios to recognize the new drive first. It should auto-detect and boot beyond the Dell screen.

Unfortunately, I think you need to thouroughly look at this computer again. Open it. Make sure both cables (long flat thin with a red stipe that should be at pin 1 of thedrive) and the power cable are connected to your new drive. Make sure the memory module(s) have not been knocked loose. Make sure the power supply cables are still connected and secured to the system board. etc.

The Dell screen is the very first screen these computers come up with. Your bios is not even getting power and pressing F2 before the computer even asks you too, I don't think will get you anywhere.

Hi,

And if after you've checked it out and all looks right but still wont boot even far enough to get to the BIOS (from Anna's answer above) then I suggest you put things back the way they were to prove that nothing else has been disturbed.

Ifit wont boot after you put it back the way it was, then let us know and we'll offer advice to troubleshoot what may have happened.

Cheers,
Tim.

it might tell you "Press to enter setup" (my computer shows a message like it). If it doesnt, try pressing ESC, or a Function key (like F1, F2, etc) or DEL, thinks like that. and you should get into setup. I recommend checking Dells Website orthe manual that came with your computer (if any). Also, your hard drive might not be compatible with the PC or it is damaged or you did not correctly install the drive.

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