2, 3,and 4 indicate a USB problem.  See this

 

If you have a USB printer attached, disconnect it and see if that lets it boot. 

USB problem? Hmmm, very interesting. I have been seeing messages about attached USB devices would perform better if they were attached to a USB 2.0 port. Well, obviously these are USB 2.0 ports. So I guess I need to look for the USB drivers on top of (or instead of) figuring out what device is the problem.

 

BTW, thank for pointing me to the correct item in the manual. I really hate reading stuff like this online, so I printed out the entire manual. Lots of paper, but easier to read and make notes on paper.

Well, here's where I'm at right now. I am using a PS2 to USB adapter (mouse and keyboard). I seem to boot up okay with this. One clue was when I tried to use the F2/F12 keys (Dell USB keyboard) during bootup and it wouldn't recognize the keys. But, with this adapter and a Fellows keyboard, it's okay.

 

So, is it a problem with the USB ports (doesn't seem likely) or is there a problem with it recognizing the Dell USB mouse and keyboard?

No.  It's a problem where the all-in-one printers draw too much power (or other USB peripherals that are connected directly to the computer's USB ports).  

 

The fix is an external USB hub with an AC adapter (or a longer cord) according to the tech who got me up and running when I could not boot with a new, all-in-one printer.   And as you found out.

 

My problem was the same; no response from the F keys and I could not boot.  Blank screen, blinking cursor and the 'puter would not go any further after many, many attempts.

 

The tech said to either buy an external USB hub or buy a longer cord than those normally provided.  The peripherals that are directly connected can draw too much power from the computer; in my case it's the all-in-one printer.   

 

I'm using the external USB hub with an AC adapter so that it works on its own power.

Alright, I will get that a try. I do have a 4-port self powered hub I can set up to see what happens. Thanks for the tip.

I took the All-in-one printer USB cable and plugged it in to the powered USB hub. Things seemed okay, so I put the Dell keyboard and mouse back into the computer. Guess what? Yup, it started locking up with the USB POST error (234) again.  :smileymad:

 

Currently all I have plugged into the computer are the Dell Keyboard, the Dell Mouse, the Dell 19" LCD monitor, and the hub. The only things plugged into the USB ports on the monitor are the cable for my iPod (which is not attached) and my external drive (which is not turned on - for backing up only). In the USB hub, all I have plugged in in the base for my PDA (which is not in the base right now) and the Dell printer.

 

When I get back home, I will again remove the Dell keyboard and mouse and using my PS2 to USB adapter, plug back in the PS2 keyboard and mouse.

 

I think, however, moving the printer from the PC to the hub was still a good idea which did make sense.

I wanted to add that I began to have boot problems every other or so time, even after using a USB hub.  Now, I've also flashed my BIOS, which I had not done since I didn't have any previous problems and I cleared the Nvram and reset to default.  See here.

 

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_bios&message.id=41042

 

Seems better.  So far no further hang ups upon booting up.