Optiplex 330 start up issue

Question

Hi there,

I have a Dell Optiplex 330 Bios revision A11. I run windows 95 as its only used to run one piece of software for a cnc machine.

I switched it on the other day and it came up with screen telling me the internal battery was low. I replaced the 2032 button battery and rebooted, no better. I've just unplugged, removed the battery reset the battery and restarted, which should I think clear the BIOS, CMOS and NVRAM but its just going to the safe mode option screen.

What should I look at next?

savvy2 · Accepted Answer

with the battery dead, the NVAM is no longer NV, all data in the NVram is now gone. (WE SAY FELL TO THE BYTE BUCKET) step 2 was, to , go to F2 BIOS and click reset BIOS. 'or set to default configuration:' on all PCs made. (except old junk Toshibas) and not on tablets with no coin at all. the reset puts the NVRAM data 100% back to normal like day one new from the factory. only thing that might be wrong are. (after reset) time of day, (also stored in NVRAM) set it first. windows will not be happy with year at 1995.... LOL and boot order, on old PCs, set HDD0 to boot. first. on some Business class, PCs the PXE NIC BOOT MUST BE TURNED OFF, IN BIOS AND FOR SURE NOT LOCATED IN THE BIOS BOOT ORDER. that is it.

Dell-Parnoshree C · Answer

Hi fantaG,

We see the model Optiplex 330 is tested only with Windows XP, Windows Vista 32 and 64 bit operating systems. You can find the information in the given link https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/optiplex-330/drivers

Try reinstalling the operating system after data back up if that helps, as Windows 95 is not tested with this model.

Make sure the boot drive is hard drive under boot sequence in BIOS. To boot in BIOS restart the system and start tapping F2.

fantaG · Answer

Apologies I have XP and not 95 as stated.

Does this make a difference or as you are suggesting a new install of XP is still required. Unfortunately I don't think I made a boot usb disk for this particular computer

Dell-Parnoshree C · Answer

Hi fantaG, As we know XP is not supported anymore by Microsoft as it is an outdated operating system. You can rarely find the operating system available in the market as well. You can try reseating the hard drive once and see if that helps also check if the hard drive is set as a first bootable device.

savvy2 · Answer

partly true that. but not fully. (read NON CONSUMERS)

2008 PC , 11 years old. XP oldest.

XP is still used in hospitals, on isolated dedicated equipment and instrumentations, world wide.

and ATM machines.

and USA and UK military both have XP support licenses, (very expensive)

and like the poster said CNC mills. (not toy PC at home)

no internet at all.

no email,

no funny kids inserting infected media ever.

and isolated PC, controller it is and only is. (fully safe there)

yes you can find XP install media, even new in box , sold on EBAY (NOS) if you learn to look first.(hmmmm)

the COA can be a problem. (AND EASY TO FIX)

so I answered based on fact, and knowing what CNC means. (wiki that)

This PC can be made to run again, I promise.!

but you may need:

1: a new PSU. (If pc is MT easy if slim , only used on ebay)

2: NEW HDD, OR SSD.

3: And a copy of good XP.

4: the CNC maker of you mill, call them and ask if your CNC software runs on vista,w7,or w10?

and if not , ask how much. be nice to know that , going in , right?, (in fact step 1)

OP is your PC the Slim or MT mini tower PC,??? this is first first and not told.

top CPU is

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB)

4GB max ram but tad less in XP 3.5GB max. 32bit limit + GPU ram theft.

if using this

Graphics Media Accelerator 31003

newer OS may be impossible. (intel rules)

omg gosh, the slim has large PSU, what tight fit. and looks like ATX PSU.(fit and plugs)

and vertical DVD drive, the giveaway there.

savvy2 · Answer

if the intel, GPU< GMA HD 3100 is not used, and you have graphic card there, you need to tell that too.

no better list for HD GPU exists but this … no support after w8 , and no core 2 support at all now. 3000 series

the upgrade path if possible at all is a newer GPU PCI-exp card,even for $10 , like a 8400GS

xp safe mode is not to feared, set the resolution to the correct, upper limit of you monitor.

the maker of the CNC many what $1000 to upgrade this equipment,

the real problem max, is Intel ended support on many of there old hardware. (legacy deathh)

when that PC was running good, I would have mirror cloned it to 2 spare but new HDD. (or SSD)

as backups. You CNC mill is worth all that.

the iGPU on this PC is in the G31 south bridge and last driver was W7, 2013 at intel.(for eternity)

So only w7 is possible here (max) not w10 here, and w7 may run you CNC software. (might)

All G31 support ended at year 2013.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 330 start up issue

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