[RiffRaffCat75]

OK, I've got a Dell Inspiron 1545 that I'm trying to re-install Vista after format hhd with Windows disk and it keeps getting stuck on the "completing installation" screen. I cannot get into the BIOS because of it being password protected. So now, I'm just dead in the water here. Any suggestion would be great. Thanks.

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Hi RiffRaffCat75
See if these help, http://support.dell....4&isLegacy=true and

[phillpower2]

Hi RiffRaffCat75
See if these help, http://support.dell....4&isLegacy=true and

[RiffRaffCat75]

Phillpower2, thanks for the response, but I've tried to install drivers from a USB flash drive during the install process but it does not see those types of files during a windows install, at least that is what i'm getting. There is no OS on this hard drive and the machine will not boot at all. I don't think it see's the HD. I think I need to get into the BIOS and change the SATA settings but there's an issue there too. I don't have the password for the BIOS, so that's a no go either. I think the HD is not detected because there are no drivers for the HD or I need to change that setting in BIOS or both of those things need to be done. Either way, this isn't looking good. That's just my thoughts on that, but I still don't have the answer. I think this laptop just may be trash.

[phillpower2]

For accessing the BIOS see http://www.hiren.inf...bios-boot-cdrom

[RiffRaffCat75]

Yeah, tried that too and not working. I have the Hiren's disk with it's many tools but I don't totally know how to use it. I can boot from it but then what. All the things that I've tried have lead to no where. You know, I thought this was going to be an easy clean re-install but that's not what I got. Sorry, just had to vent for a second.

[phillpower2]

Its ok computer problems can be frustrating I know, so if you can boot from the CD/DVD drive there are couple of things for you to do if you are able, first try formatting the HDD with http://www.dban.org/download this will remove any data that could possibly have been left behind including any corruption then run hard drive diagnostics http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.

Thanks to Broni for the instructions

It is gone 4am here in the UK so I need to call it a day for a few hours but will check back later.

[RiffRaffCat75]

Well, the nuke didn't work. It said something about process crash error.

[phillpower2]

This doesn`t sound too promising for the HDD, have you noticed any change in it`s behavior previous to this happening slow access times, unusual noises and does the HDD activity LED show any signs of life?
What about http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287 if you don`t know the brand of your HDD then use Seatools as it works on varying brands of HDD.
http://www.geekstogo...over-your-data/ will also allow you to see if there is any evidence of a failed HDD.
If the above is unsuccessful then removing the HDD and cleaning the contacts on it can be done as a last resort.

[RiffRaffCat75]

OK I have discovered that the HDD is passing all the test that I throw at it. So I'd say the HDD is ok, but I still can't get an OS on it. Still can't get into the BIOS to change any settings. Just got off the phone with dell and they can't help either. They are saying to replace the MOBO but I'm not willing to do that. For that kind of money I'd just buy a new laptop.

[phillpower2]

From post #8

have you noticed any change in it`s behavior previous to this happening slow access times, unusual noises and does the HDD activity LED show any signs of life?

What is the answer please?

OK I have discovered that the HDD is passing all the test that I throw at it. So I'd say the HDD is ok,

Did you run the full test and not the short which are far from conclusive?

Just got off the phone with dell and they can't help either

Why did they say they cannot help you and can I ask did you purchase the laptop when it was new?

[RiffRaffCat75]

Thanks for your help Philpower2 but I'm giving up on this machine. It was passed down to me after exchanging hands 3 times, so it's no great loss to me. Thanks again for your help but it's time for this machine to be "file 13ed".

[phillpower2]

Sorry that you feel that way RiffRaffCat75 but thank you for letting us know