Can not boot or get into bios

Posting your Dell model number would have been helpful.  

 

Check the system to see if the diagnostic lights are giving an error code which could help pin point the problem.  Check the power button to see what color it is or if it is flashing.  On some Dell models, the power button can help indicate the source of the problem.  Otherwise try these trouble-shooting suggestions .....

 

Try clearing the NVRAM (CMOS) to see if it resolves the boot problem.  Possibly the information stored in the NVRAM (CMOS) became corrupted which is not uncommon.  Normally you would clear the NVRAM (CMOS) by entering the BIOS Setup, but it would appear that you can not do so.  The alternative would be to remove the battery from the motherboard to clear the NVRAM (CMOS).  With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally. Depending on the age of the system you might try installing a new battery when clearing the NVRAM.  A failed battery can cause a variety of boot up problems.

If the machine still fails to boot then strip the motherboard down to the bare minimum.  By bare minimum I mean remove all expansion cards, disconnect all drives and leave just the processor, memory and graphics card in the machine after reseating them.  If the computer boots this way then start connecting each device one at a time until the no boot scenario returns.  This would then indicate which device has failed and is causing the problem.  Also try booting the system without the keyboard, mouse or any other device plugged into the rear of the system.  If you have more than one memory module (pair with RDRAM) installed then try booting with only one and then swap them around and try again. If you only have one memory module (pair with RDRAM) then try booting without any memory modules installed. Also try swapping the graphics card for another one.  If this procedure doesn't resolve the problem then you maybe looking at a situation where the motherboard has failed.

With all the PCI cards removed did you try clearing the NVRAM again by removing the battery?  Also when you have the battery removed don't forget to discharge the motherboard otherwise the NVRAM may not be cleared.

Majestic,

 

I removed the battery and replaced it. I follwed the proceedure that you set forth and it still would not let me  get into the bios.

One strange thing is I unplugged the power supply on the motherboiard and replugged it in and then one time it let me into the bios and then boot.

After this it went back to the the same old thing. It hung at the cursor and would not let me into the bios.

Is this the motherboard? Maybe a trace on the motherboard that is cracked that provides power to the CPU or BIOS?

 

Thanks,

Marc Fortier

 

My best guess at this point is the motherboard. 

 

If you haven't done so already I would suggest you post the problem over in the Dimension - General Hardware forum to see what other opinions you get.  Possibly we are overlooking something.