Kernel problem. Computer can't find hard drive or any drive.

[skuba]

I am going crazy with my Inspiron 8100. After 3 years it's giving me headache for the first time.

Last week I had this problem, than it disappeared, but came back yesterday.

Please see if you can help.

I am working on my sites, have several apps open, then I get THE BLUE SCREEN

I couldn't read the whole thing, but it said something like an problem with the kernel_data_blah_blah, and it was going to dump the memory.
The memory is dumped and a weird noise starts coming from inside. Like making "clack"clack"

After that, I can boot the computer. It can't find the hard drive or the optical drive.

I have reseated the HD and that's not the problem.

And I still get that "clack" "clack" sound.

I had this problem for many days last week, then it went away, and the computer was fine. But yesterday the problem came back.

I thought the problem was with the HD, so Dell just sent me a new one. But I think it's something else.

I have flashed the Bios already.

What else could it be?

Thanks a lot

 

[imported_Slash]

Can you still boot up with the clacking sound.
Do you use any partitioning softwares?
Can you identify where the sound is coming from?
Carefully with the cover off try to locate the area the sound is coming from. Could be the power supply. Look around the mainboard and see if you notice anything unusual, burnt marks.
Do you clean your system removing dust from fan fins, removing dust from the heat sinks if you have any. The cpu fan and heat sink clean? Dust is your worst enemy!