Operating system not found message

[Fungus]

Occasionally when I have left my computer on, but not in use for a few
hours, the screen will display 'operating system not found' message. All I
can do is start it by power button, and stop it same way; the repair CD
won't run. After a few attempts it has started up so far. I'm worried about
the day it won't. Any suggestions. TIA

 

[PA Bear]

See these archived threads here:

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...not+found"&qt_g=1&searchnow=Search+this+group

 

[Guest]

Unless someone posts a better idea, I would suspect your IDE controller is
failing (or, possibly, your hard drive -- but in my experience it's more
often the controller).

The controller is likely built into the motherboard. You can buy an IDE card
for $15-$20 dollars and see if that makes the problem go away. It's a fairly
cheap test. If you can borrow one for a few day, that would be an even
cheaper test.

Make backups! Now! And keep updating your backups until you are SURE you've
solved the problem -- then keep doing regular backups anyway.

 

[Z]

Occasionally when I have left my computer on, but not in use for a few
hours, the screen will display 'operating system not found' message. All I
can do is start it by power button, and stop it same way; the repair CD
won't run. After a few attempts it has started up so far. I'm worried about
the day it won't. Any suggestions. TIA

Is it a laptop? If so, check the connector to the hard drive, they can
wiggle loose.