Dimension 8300 - boot problem. Views welcome

Question

Story goes something like this:

1. Have been receiving Alert! message re CMOS battery though no indication of a problem otherwise (e.g. date and time remained stable)
2. However, battery seemed to completely fail and so I purchased a new one and installed it so lost all setup configuration.
3. PC now boots as follows - get initial Dell splash screen (the one that allows you to press F2 for setup etc) followed by blank screen with flashing cursor top left. This continues for around 3 minutes or so after which Windows XP starts to load. Thereafter the PC seems to work fine.
4. I cannot get into setup from the intial splash screen. Pressing F2 gets me nowhere and I still end up with the blank screen routine. Am wondering whether something in setup will cure this odd behaviour but no longer know what the setup configuration should be to sort this curious problem.

As far as I can see the only way to get into setup is to remove the new CMOS battery again and reboot. Mind you, that doesn't always seem to work and I am often getting a message that says that the boot process failed at checkpoint [USBd]. Might I not be able to get into F2 setup because I am using a cordless keyboard or is that a red herring? Having said that, the PC does attempt a reboot when I press CTRL-ALT-DEL when, for example, the flashing cursor screen is displayed. So the PC is paying some attention to the keyboard.

Would welcome some help with this one. At least the PC is functioning ok (eventually) but I do need to be able to get into setup (and through the normal method!). It would also be helpful to know what the 'standard' or usual Dell default configuration is in setup as shipped (or how I can set it to default if needs be and I am lucky enough to see the setupscreen!)

Hope this makes reasonable sense!

Majestic · Answer

Try removing the battery again and do a hard reset of the NVRAM by doing this.....   With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 30 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.   It's possible the information stored in the NVRAM became corrupted or wasn't totally cleared when the battery was removed previously.  By clearing the NVRAM now will rule out that possibility.   As far as the battery alert message, this is frequent problem with some models of the 8000 series.  Some people were able to resolve the problem by replacing the battery while other temporarily disconnected the system from the surge protector or auxilliary power and plugged the system directly into the wall.   As of for the USB - wireless keyboard,  try plugging the keyboard receiver into the back of the tower.  Your model has one USB port that is active all the time and that port should be the one on the upper right on the back of the system.   Once you are able to enter the BIOS Setup, check to see that the option for USB Emulation is enabled.  That option can be found in the Integrated Devices sub-menu of the BIOS Setup.   Once enabled, all USB ports should be supported during boot up or during non-Windows keyboard activity.

Majestic · Answer

Whoops..... one more thing....... as for the Checkpoint USB error, there really isn't a master list that explains these Checkpoint errors.  More than likely your error is related to a USB device.  It could be the keyboard or another USB device such as a mouse or printer.  First try clearing the NVRAM and switching the keyboard USB port.  If that doesn't resolve the Checkpoint error then disconnect all USB devices except for the keyboard and reboot the system.  If you still have the Checkpoint error with just the keyboard installed then try another keyboard.   As for the standard or default, the clearing of the NVRAM will default all your BIOS settings back to their recommended factory settings. Message Edited by Majestic on 01-21-200707:46 AM

gbenquiries · Answer

Majestic,   Advice much appreciated. Have gone through all the various steps you suggested and situation appears little changed except that if I press F2 at the Dell splash screen then, after it has changed to the blank screen/flashing cursor, for several minutes, it does eventualy display the setup screen.   That really just leaves the issue of the very long delay with the blank screen etc before the Dell will start to load Windows XP.   Thanks for taking the time to reply. If you've any other suggestions as to how this oddity might be resolved let me know. The replacement CMOS battery seems to be functioning ok - the Dell is now holding onto the correct time/date.

Majestic · Answer

As for the boot up delay, try disconnecting all USB devices except for the keyboard and mouse.   USB devices especially printers have been known to cause the system to hang at boot.   If the problem is related to the printer or another USB device then recheck the BIOS options and disable anything related to USB Boot.  In checking over the on-line Service Manual for your system, the only place I could see where there maybe an USB Boot option is in the Boot Sequence itself.  Otherwise disable the option for USB Emulation and move the keyboard to the upper right USB port on the back of the tower.  That should allow no USB functions prior to Windows booting while at the same time allow the use of your keyboard since that USB port is supported by the BIOS.

gbenquiries · Answer

Majestic,   Thanks for the additional thoughts. Actually, when I read it it rang a distant bell about some devices like printers causing boot problems.   Anyway, I disabled USB emulation in the BIOS setup and hey presto the Dell now boots ok.   So take a bow and many thanks for taking the time and trouble. Just goes to show the power of user forums. Also avoids potential indecipherable and very annoying calls to Dell support in India (no personal offence intended I might add, it's just that it's not a practical, intelligible or customer focussed strategy I'm afraid).

Majestic · Answer

Glad to be of assistance and to hear the problem has been resolved.

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Dimension 8300 - boot problem. Views welcome

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