I had given to me a dell optiplex gs 166mhz 2.1 gig computer. It would not boot, so I ran diagnostics. It got as far as write testing floppy A: then failed. No software came with the machine, and the previous owner cannot find anything. I do not know what version of windows it has, and would very much appreciate any help from you kind folks. I am in communication with a dell tech, but it is VERY slow (days between replies). Thanks in advance, Dave. P.S. I am as novice as they come!

if you don't know what Software is on the machie, its probably safe to just erase everything and start over. Do you have any operating systems disk? Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME. If so, then we can just start from scratch. Also the Diag might fail at the A:\ if there is no disk in the drive. I'm not sure if this is the cause of that problem or not. but repost what operating system disk you have if any.

Got passed the write test, failed the confidence test. Got a message that the hard drive may need replaced. I know where to get one w/win 95 on it, but haven't a clue on how to replace it. The diag. I have is on 3 1/2 floppy. I have a copy of win 95 I received in the mail on floppy, and the companion cd I got from my sis. What next? I'd love to save the $ and get this one straightened out. Please email jmpnthfire@webtv if you can help or post here. Thanks!!!