Hello CCole0008,

In order to isolate the cause of failure, I would request you to run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. It is just to check the functionality of the hardware installed in the computer. Run the test and check if gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action.

Awaiting your response!

I ran the diagnostic test that you suggested. It did a quick scan and then stated it found no problems and if I wanted to do further testing, I stated yes and then the computer scanned for 2 hours, it was stuck at 96% for over an hour, I finally aborted out of the diagnostics, any suggestions as to what to do next or what that means?

Hello CCole0008,

Thank you for replying. Well, the second half of the test is the memory test. You may skip that. Since the diagnostics passed, I would request you to run the Custom Test from the Dell 32-bit Diagnostics on the hard drive and check the functionality of the hard drive. If the Custom Test passes, try booting the computer into Safe Mode. To boot the computer into safe mode, restart the computer and keep tapping F8 at the Dell logo screen. From the Advanced Boot Options, select Safe Mode and press Enter. Check if the issue persists in Safe Mode. 

Please try the steps and write back with results. 

The computer is a 64 bit, should I still run the 32 Bit diagnostics?

When I look at the Boot Menu, I only have the diagnostics, which was the same thing that I had run the other day. I will try to use Safe mode today and see what happens. I am also getting many error messages about Sync Up not working as well as Intel Boost. 7.0 stop working and that seems to be consistent of when the computer stops responding and I have to hard start. Thanks for all your help in this...it is appreciated.

Hello CCole0008,

Dell 32-bit Diagnostics is just the name of the diagnostics. It has nothing to with the version of the Operating System.

In some cases, PSA Diagnostics will run first. To continue onto 32-bit Diagnostics, Press N for No when it asks you to Continue Memory Tests. Once Memory Test is discontinued, you would get the options for 32-bit Diagnostics. It would have options like; Express Test, Extended Test, Custom Test, Symptom Tree. Run the Custom Test on the hard drive. 

Please write back with results. 

Okay, so when I said no to futher memory tests, I did not get an options such as those you mentioned.

Hello CCole0008,

Please let know, if you have tried booting the computer in Safe Mode. To boot the computer into safe mode, restart the computer and keep tapping F8 at the Dell logo screen. From the Advanced Boot Options, select Safe Mode and press Enter. Check if the computer boots into Safe Mode.

Awaiting your response!

I am able to start it in Safe mode, but unable to do anything...it won't connect to internet in safe mode...so ...

Hello CCole0008,

In Safe Mode, the network card is disabled. Hence, it will not let you go online. However, you may boot the computer into Safe Mode with Networking to browse the internet.

If the system is working fine in Safe Mode with Networking,  you may try performing Clean Boot and check if you are able to boot the computer in normal mode.

Hope this helps!

Hi Allen, I did the Safe Mood Networking. and the problem did not seem to occur in safe mode. Any insight would be helpful.

If anyone has any ideas about why my computer might be not responding that would be great. If I work in safe mode with networking it seems to be okay. But problem appears to be getting worse and not sure what to do from here.

Hello CCole0008,

Please help me understand if you have tried performing Clean Boot as mentioned in my last post. 

Awaiting your response!