[SOLVED]Can somebody please help me with my computer?

Ok, I just picked up a Dell Dimension 8300 and I recieve a “error loading operating system” at startup. I belive it has something to do with the bios but Im not at all sure. Help is much appreciated.
Answer #1
Make sure u dont turn on the pc with any usb device plugged in or a cd inserted.
The most likely problem is in the bios which is searching for the OS in the wrong place.
When u turn on ur pc and u get the sistem info (the memory status, drivers,etc) try looking for the key which lets u go to the bios setup. It will most likely be “delet”,f2,f8,or something like that.
When u get to the bios setup look for something like “boot device priority” or “boot device setup”. In there make sure that the first device on the list is ur hard-drive which has the OS.
Answer #2
Does it come with OS pre-installed?
Answer #3
Yes, windows xp once was installed. But my friend told me that he had wiped out all of the memory befor giving it to me. I will try your suggestion
Answer #4
Your friend most likely wiped the hard drive (not the memory–it doesn’t work that way). You will probably have to install a new OS to get it running. Confirm this with your friend.
Answer #5
hmm, I belive my friend did wipe out the hard drive.
Ok, I went into the bios options and there was no “boot device priority” or “Boot device setup”. But there was a “Boot sequence” which shows “Hard-Disk Drive C” above IDE CD-ROM Device.
I ran a IDE Hard Drive Diagnostic:
Primary SATA
Drive 0: ST3120026AS – Pass
Secondary SATA
Drive 0: No Device
Primary IDE
Drive 0: No Device
Drive 1: No Device
Secondary IDE
Drive 0: Samsung DVD – Rom SD-616E – Diagnostics not supported
Drive 1: No Device
There is also an option in the “System Setup” called “IDE Hard Drive Acoustics Mode” which gives me the option to choose from Bypass, Quiet, Suggested, or Performance.
Im running out of ideas here guys, anymore suggestions?
Answer #6
Stick a Windows XP CD in your CD/DVD drive and install Windows …….. you won’t get anything out of your PC until you do that.

Answer #7
OK…You are going to need to clean install windows from scratch… a good idea anyhow..
Set t6he boot sequence to show the CD-Rom device as the first on the list and hard drive C as the second…THis way it will boot from a windows boot cd which you will need to use..Don’t know about SATA but it may need extra drivers at install time…
Have a google for Install windows with sata drive
EG…http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm
Answer #8
Ok, I fixed it. I downloaded a windows xp from and burn it to a cd. I changed boot sequence to CD Rom Device and rebooted. It worked like a charm. Thanks for everything guys.
Answer #9
Glad you got everything sorted
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