Dell Optiplex Troubleshooting Tip

Who likes calling Dell?

I suppose I didn't have to call them, but considering the technical support is free, it does seem like the wise way to start troubleshooting.

The system I was working with was exhibiting blue (stop) screens. The computer wouldn't boot, and was offering me an "inaccessible_boot_volume".

Googling that term didn't provide me with much.

An hour of tech support though, showed me a great deal. Hence the tip, which to spoil it just a little is "Control-Alt-D" (not "delete", really the letter D).

The tech support person was clearly Indian, and very pleasant. There were slight communication issues. We had to be patient with each other. There's something between the two cultures that frustrates each of us, I think. We speak in different directions, if that makes any sense to you.

Anyway. Even though he had to repeat what he was saying, we did get to the root of the problem. Being, the hard drive was slowly turning into junk.

Tip: Dell Optiplex computers have a built in hard drive diagnostic utility. To access it, reboot the computer, catch it just at the beep and press CTRL-ALT-D. If you miss it, just reboot. Pressing it multiple times (holding CTRL and ALT and tapping "D" repeatedly) should work. Chances are if you need to use this tool, the computer isn't going to boot normally anyway (or you've already reloaded it and you're having weird issues).

This diagnostic shows only a pass/fail, but if it fails, then run a checkdsk /f to fix any errors. Run the diagnostic again.

If the drive still fails that diagnostic, then it's toast. Throw it out and buy a new one. Seriously.

Dell Optiplex. Hard drive weirdness. CTRL-ALT-D.