How to fix "dumping physical memory to disk"?

Recently a rattle began to appear in my Dell Dimension XPS's Hard Disk (OS Windows Home Edition), like a ball-bearing running loose. After the rattle the system seizes up and then I get screen telling me computer is 'dumping physical memory to disk'. When I restart the Dell Logo self-test is followed by the message 'operating system not found'. Some times the system boots properly, but after ten minutes or so I hear the rattle and the system closes down, and will not re- boot. I have disconnected and reset cables to hard disk, but this makes no difference.

If there is a fault with the hard disk (as seems to be the case) - it is out of warranty - is there any tests I can carry out on it - anything I should look at? I dont mind opening it up. I am reasonably good with electronic equipment.

Thanks for any help on this one.

This question was answered on February 16, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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You might want to open up the computer and take the hard drive out and try it in another computer if one is available to you, this way you know if it's your computer or the hard drive its not working properly If not you can try re-installing windows, it should fix the problem since its most likely some windows program files or software on your computer got damaged.

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Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on February 16, 2004

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