Strike the F1 key to continue...

This is the message in its entirity.

Notice: The primary IDE master hard drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has
reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell
recommends that you backup your data regularly.
A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive
problem.

Message done.

Question: How can this be fixed so the machine will continue its startup
without having to press the F1 key? I have troubleshooted the hard drive and
it indicates it is working properly.
You will have to hold my hand thru this - so please be explicit in your
instructions.
Thanks to all!

Vic wrote:
> This is the message in its entirity.
>
> Notice: The primary IDE master hard drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has
> reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell
> recommends that you backup your data regularly.
> A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive
> problem.
>
> Message done.
>
> Question: How can this be fixed so the machine will continue its startup
> without having to press the F1 key? I have troubleshooted the hard drive and
> it indicates it is working properly.
> You will have to hold my hand thru this - so please be explicit in your
> instructions.
> Thanks to all!

Exactly how have you "troubleshooted the hard drive"? If you only used
Dell Diagnostics, please download a diagnostic utility from the hard
drive mftr. (or you may use Seagate's SeaTools). You will create a
bootable cd or floppy with the file you download. Boot with this media
and do a thorough test of the hard drive. If the drive fails any
physical tests, replace it.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

"Vic" <Vic@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> This is the message in its entirity.
>
> Notice: The primary IDE master hard drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has
> reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell
> recommends that you backup your data regularly.
> A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive
> problem.
>
> Message done.
>
> Question: How can this be fixed so the machine will continue its startup
> without having to press the F1 key? I have troubleshooted the hard drive
> and
> it indicates it is working properly.
> You will have to hold my hand thru this - so please be explicit in your
> instructions.
> Thanks to all!


This is a hardware issue, not an XP OS issue. Download a drive diagnostic
utility from the hard drive manufacturer's web site. That will create a
bootable floppy or CD. Boot from it and run the diagnostics.

Contact Dell tech support.

Replace the hard drive.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]