Easily Fix Dell Error Code 2000-0142 [Complete Guide]

If you have been getting the Dell Error Code 0142 message while trying to log into your Boot Menu or while trying to boot from the HDD, it is likely that the issue is coming due to an error with the Hard Disk. The error code that is displayed is “Error Code 2000-0142” and in this article, we have managed to fix the issue by using some simple steps that you can implement on your computer as well.

What Causes the Error Code 2000-0142 on your Computer?

After having to go through some major troubleshooting techniques and workarounds commonly used to fix the issue, we were able to conclude that the following are the most common triggers behind the issue.

• Bad Sectors: It is possible that there might be some bad sectors on your hard drive due to which the computer is facing issues while trying to run a test on it or boot from it. Therefore, we suggest that you repair these sectors by following the steps below.
• Boot Configuration Data: Sometimes, the Boot Configuration Data on the HDD might have been corrupted and due to this, the Error Code 2000-0142 might be triggered on the computer. Therefore, we suggest that you try to fix it by repairing this data.
• Cable Connections: In certain cases, the cable connections of the HDD might be loose and due to this, the error might be triggered. Therefore, we suggest that you try to make sure that these connections are proper and check to see if that fixes the issue.

Now that you have been taken through most of the reasons behind the issue, we can finally implement the solutions.

Before You Start:

You can try running the “SMART” test from your BIOS which will identify the possible reason for your hard drive’s failure. You can also try running some online diagnostic tools, but they might not be able to help much or help at all in this case.

You can also use a tool named “MiniTool Partition Wizard” to try rebuilding/repairing the MBR, which can possibly recover your hard drive to its original state, although its probability is very low. (Solution mentioned below).

How to fix error code 2000-0142 on your PC:

Solution 1: Run Disk Check Via CMD

Using this solution might help recover any corrupt data but even so, it is strongly recommended to backup all your data as the appearance of this error repeatedly can indicate imminent hard drive failure. Follow the steps below in order to carry out this solution:

1. Insert your “Windows Disc” and start your PC.
2. Restart your PC and press any key to get into the “Windows Installation Setup”.
3. Then select “Repair your computer” and afterwards select your OS.
4. Click “Command Prompt” in the following window.
5. Next type in the following commands in the command prompt window and press “Enter” afterwards.

   chkdsk /f /r
   
   sfc /scannow

   

6. Check to see if doing so fixes the Error Code 2000-0142 on your computer.

Solution 2: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data

If you can boot into windows then follow the steps below to rebuild the BCD using cmd:

1. Press “Window + R” keys together, type in “cmd” in the Run dialogue box, and press the “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” keys on your keyboard.

   

2. Then type in the following commands and press “Enter” after each:

bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd

bootrec.exe /fixmbr

bootrec.exe /fixboot

bootsect /ntfs60 C:

3. In the end “Restart” your PC and check to see if the error got resolved now.

Solution 3: Run “S.M.A.R.T” Test and Dell Diagnostics (PSA and ePSA)

1. Restart your PC and get into the “BIOS Mode” by pressing the key mentioned on the logo screen.
2. Choose your hard drive from the list and select “SMART support”.
3. Then press “Enter” and choose any of the three tests, press “Esc” after the test is complete.
4. Now, repeat the first step and in the BIOS, select “Diagnostics” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

   

5. If need be, use the “Resource CD”, insert it in your PC, restart it and then head over to the BIOS and see if that works. You can try running multiple different tests and see what the end results are.
6. Similarly, run the “Hardware” test as well.
7. Look for or submit the given error code or log on to Dell’s website and wait for their response.

Solution 4: Run CHKDSK through A Different Approach

1. Download “Windows XP” or get it from a friend and using “Rufus”, burn it into an empty “USB Drive”.
2. Insert the USB drive into your PC and “Restart” it, head over to your BIOS, and choose the “USB Drive” to boot from.
3. Select “Repair” and in the command prompt, type in the following command:

   chkdsk c:

4. Restart your PC afterward and see if the error code 2000-0142 is resolved now.

Solution 5: Check Your Cable Connections

There might be an issue with your SATA cable or the Power cable from PSU. The slot that you have connected your HDD to might be faulty. So, what you need to do is, use a different SATA cable and plug it into a different slot in your motherboard and change the power cable from your PSU to your HDD.

Solution 6: Reinstall Windows

Some of your system files might have gotten corrupted due to malware and viruses, beyond recovery. In this case, the only option available will be a clean reinstallation of Windows, i.e. formatting your hard drive and then reinstalling fresh windows. If you’re not a computer geek hire a technician so that he can perform this task for you.

Solution 7: Replace Your Hard Drive

If none of the above fixes worked for you then it is time to say goodbye to your failing hard drive, but first immediately backup all of your data to another hard drive. If your hard drive is in warranty then you should claim its warranty otherwise just get a brand-new hard drive. We would however recommend an SSD as it is much more superior to a hard drive and has almost no chances of failing on you. Some brands have started providing lifetime warranties on their SSDs which indicates how reliable they are.

Workaround:

If for some reason you are not able to access your hard drive at all after trying all of the above solutions, and you want your data to be recovered, this is a method you should follow, however, it is not guaranteed. You will need to get yourself an HDD converter that basically converts your Internal Hard Drive to an external hard drive so you can easily connect it through USB to your PC. Plug that into your laptop or another PC and see if you can recover your data. If that did not work then you can try contacting an expert who will use different methods, recover your data if it really is that important.

By now you will be able to overcome the Error Code 2000-0142 error easily but if not then feel free to Contact Us for more help.