ERROR CODE 2000-0142 and UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

Insert your OS disk into your cd/dvd drive

As the machine boots up - it should have an option to hit F2 or F12

Hit the F12 key

This will give you the option of where to boot your machine from.

Select boot from CD/DVD drive

For me windows loaded some files and gave me an option to either install windows or repair.

I selected repair

I was then asked for the admin password -- typed it in.

It brings you to a command prompt :

Type in CHKDSK

or

Type in CHKDSK/R

Hit the ENTER key

Once your machine has finished and repairing the hard drive, type EXIT and press ENTER to restart your laptop.



PRESTO THE DELL LAPTOP IS NOW BOOTING UP AND IS NOW HAVING ALL ITS DATA BACKED UP.



I have also found another command that could be tried if the above fails. Bear in mind, i didnt have to do it, but will post it here anyway.



After the command prompt - type in FIXBOOT





According to the DELL website the error code 2000-0142 is a Drive Self Test failed error code. http://support.dell.com/support/topi...ED2&doclang=en



This has worked out for myself and i do hope it works for you.