How to Solve Hard Drive Error Code 0142 Issue [4 Ways]

About hard drive error code 0142

While working on a computer, it’s not uncommon to run into various hardware-related issues. To help identify the source of these problems, Dell provides the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA) tool. This diagnostic utility detects failures in components such as memory, the CPU, or the hard drive during a self-test.

One frequent issue users encounter is Dell error code 0142 with Status 79, which typically indicates a hard drive self-test failure. The message appears as:

Error Code 0142

Here are some of the common causes behind this error:

✦ Loose or faulty hard disk connections

✦ A failing or completely dead hard drive

✦ Corrupted system files or damaged MBR data

Wondering how to fix Dell error code 0142 quickly and effectively? Keep reading for step-by-step solutions.

4 ways to solve hard drive error code 0142 issue

Below are four effective solutions you can try to resolve the issue. The steps will be demonstrated using Windows 10 as an example:

Way 1. Check hard disk connection

Shut down your computer and carefully open the case. Inspect the connection between the hard drive and the motherboard. Try reseating the hard drive and its cables to ensure everything is securely connected. Once done, run the PSA test again to check if the Dell error code 0142 has been resolved.

Way 2. Perform a disk check from Windows installation disc

Step 1. Insert the Windows 10 installation disc and boot your computer from it.

Step 2. Select your preferred language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click Next.

Step 3. On the following screen, click Repair your computer.

Step 4. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 5. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter to scan and repair corrupted data on the C drive. To check other partitions, simply replace the drive letter as needed.

Step 6. After the scan is complete, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer to check if error code 0142 has been resolved.

Way 3. Reinstall Windows

Keep in mind that performing a clean installation of Windows will erase all data on the drive, so it's crucial to back up any important files beforehand. Once your data is safe, follow these steps to proceed:

Step 1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. Click Download tool now to save the file.

Step 2. Right-click on MediaCreationTool.exe and choose Run as administrator.

Step 3. On the License Terms screen, click Accept.

Step 4. When prompted with "What do you want to do?", select Create installation media for another PC, then click Next.

Step 5. The tool will automatically detect your current Windows version. Leave the Use the recommended options for this PC box checked and click Next.

Step 6. Choose USB flash drive as the media type and click Next.

Step 7. Insert an empty USB flash drive with at least 4GB of storage, then click Next.

Step 8. The tool will begin downloading the Windows 10 installation files. Once complete, click Finish when you see the message “Your USB flash drive is ready”.

Step 9. Restart your computer with the USB drive inserted and boot from it.

Step 10. When the Windows setup starts, click Install now, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Way 4. Replace faulty hard drive

If the previous three solutions don’t resolve the issue, replacing the hard drive may be your only option.

For systems still under warranty, reach out to Dell Support with the error code—they can arrange a replacement drive at no additional cost.

If your warranty has expired, you'll need to purchase a compatible replacement based on your computer’s model and specifications.

Tip: Before swapping the hard drive, consider cloning the old drive to the new one. This allows you to keep your operating system, applications, and data intact, avoiding the hassle of reinstalling everything from scratch.

How to recover the lost data caused by 0142 error code

It’s smart to recover your data first, as some repair attempts may risk further damage. When error code 0142 occurs, you might not be able to boot into Windows normally. In such cases, using a tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery is highly recommended for restoring files from the potentially damaged hard drive.

This powerful utility allows you to create a bootable USB, CD, or DVD to access your system and recover lost data with ease. Follow the steps below to begin the recovery process.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool starts to scan and search. It will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching for other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins, and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovery to end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hard drive error code 0142 often points to a hard drive issue, typically a failure in the self-test. The problem can arise from loose connections, a failing drive, or corrupted system files. To resolve the issue, users can check the hard disk connection, run a disk check using the Windows installation disc, reinstall Windows, or replace the hard drive. Before making repairs, it’s crucial to back up important data, especially using tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant, which can assist in recovering lost files from a damaged drive.