Inspiron 1501 error code 4600:009 Device Initialization Failure SmBios 33

**Inez Warren** · January 13th, 2010, 07:56 PM

How do I fix this???? Can't get past the log on...desktop won't populate. This is windows vista

**osprey4** · January 13th, 2010, 09:50 PM

Hi, Inez:

Welcome to TechIMO.

Can you access the BIOS (F2)?

**Inez Warren** · January 15th, 2010, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by osprey4

Hi, Inez:

Welcome to TechIMO.

Can you access the BIOS (F2)?

yes, tell me what to do there, please.

**osprey4** · January 18th, 2010, 09:16 AM

Hi, Inez:

You indicated in a PM that you're getting the following error;
Error code 4600:0009
Msg: SMBIOS - DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE SMBIOS

I don't believe this necessarily indicates a hardware failure. What you need to do is boot to your Vista disc and try a repair installation. Alternatively, you could try restoring the operating system.

**Inez Warren** · January 18th, 2010, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by osprey4

Hi, Inez:

You indicated in a PM that you're getting the following error;
Error code 4600:0009
Msg: SMBIOS - DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE SMBIOS

I don't believe this necessarily indicates a hardware failure. What you need to do is boot to your Vista disc and try a repair installation. Alternatively, you could try restoring the operating system.

Thank you for respondinig. I have tried everything else. I was successful (I hope) in backing up my photos to a dvd. My system backup is corrupted. I found that I could force windows to open by restarting with cntl, alt, delete method. There is nothing else in document files I care about. I will try to repair or reinstall this afternoon when I get time.

**Inez Warren** · January 19th, 2010, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by osprey4

Hi, Inez:

You indicated in a PM that you're getting the following error;
Error code 4600:0009
Msg: SMBIOS - DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE SMBIOS

I don't believe this necessarily indicates a hardware failure. What you need to do is boot to your Vista disc and try a repair installation. Alternatively, you could try restoring the operating system.

I have tried to restore, following the above instructions. I cannot access the F8 function called for in the instructions--only F2 and F12 are available options. Can I get to the necessary menu in F2 setup?

**osprey4** · January 19th, 2010, 05:14 PM

Inez:

The timing can be a bit tricky. You must press <F8> just as the Dell logo disappears before the Windows logo appears on the screen. Try tapping the key repeatedly.

If this does not work, then a manual installation will be needed. Here are the instructions.