software being hacked into

you might be right regarding overheating and turning off. it usually turned off after the computer was idle and i wasn't using it. but that doesn't really explain why it won't start up completely.

actually, it is a different computer. it is my son's laptop. inspiron 1525. it turns on, and it loads up until he can see his desktop and all of his items, but then it freezes and won't load any further. there is a loading circle, but it stays like that for a while. we try to turn it off and turn it back on, but it does the same thing each time.

recently there has been a black screen that comes up after the Dell loading sign that says Windows is checking my disks for consistency. The Dell person told me that this was a hacker and not them.

i guess my question would be is, are they right and this is a software problem? or hardware? i have a hardware warranty but not a software warranty and would be forced to buy one to fix this problem if there are no alternatives. please get back to me with what you think about this. thanks alexandra.

donmc03 - sorry about that, my post crossed paths with yours. Afraid that's why it's important to be specific when you post - model, operating system, exact symptoms, etc.   Would saved me a lot of time up front.   I made an assumption and it didn't pay off.  Oh well.

Since there's not much time, I recommend you read through the 1501's user and service manuals and try all the troubleshooting listed.      I've never had dealings with Dell Tech support,  but whatever went on in that contact, you'll probably have better luck if you do some legwork yourself.   From other posts here Dell will tend to assume it's some kind of software problem unless you can prove otherwise.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1501/en/index.htm

The "checking disks for consistency" implies a hard drive problem - you need to run at least the hard drive diagnostics.

The manual also includes instructions on restoring the operating system to factory condition, though it would mean losing all the data on the system - hopefully your son has backups.    There's additional information here:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=58E26A65A4388E4FE040AE0AB7E107E3&l=en&s=dhs

One more possibility, since you weren't specific about when the shutdown occurs.

It could also be overheating.   All PC's have a temperature sensor that will automatically  shut the computer down if it gets too hot.  That could be from dust and dirt blocking the cooling fans or vents, a malfunctioning fan, a bad sensor, or a bad connection between the processor and its heatsink.

Have to warn you, this forum is going down for several days for an update (see the banner announcement in red HERE)  but may be able to give you a place to start:

Is this the same computer you had trouble with in November?

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19306848/19598519.aspx#19598519

In general,  an infection of some kind could have corrupted the operating system, but a PC that won't even run in the first place isn't of any value to "hackers" - and they can't break hardware over the internet.     Best to start with the basics:

1) By "won't turn on", do you mean you turn the power on and nothing happens? Or it just turns itself off?

Assuming this is the same 4600, check the diagnostic lights and power button per the troubleshooting guide below.  If this is NOT the same 4600, you can get a similar manual for the PC by going to support.dell.com, click "home user", then "manual" in the left column of the page.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/adtshoot.htm#1112886

If it does absolutely nothing at all - no lights, no nothing, then EJN63's right - it's a major problem either with the power supply or the motherboard, not a software problem.

2) If it does turn on at the boot screen, but shuts off only after the operating system is trying to load, try running the diagnostics.   At the initial screen, press F12 until you get a menu, select "boot to utility partition", then run all the tests, especially the hard drive tests.

Most things wrong with desktops are user-repairable, including replacing parts and/or reformatting the drive and reloading the software.    If you're not much of a do-it-yourselfer, though, you could take it to a shop for a real diagnosis and repair, but if it is a 4600, and requires hardware repairs, it could run into the hundreds of dollars.   You may find it more cost effective to just replace it.   A new desktop that will seriously outperform a 4600 can be had for <$500.

It's alright.     Just a hazard of participating in a forum and trying to read between lines - every once in a while the guess is pretty good, most times it's not.  :emotion-4:

I messed up and  posted the wrong links to the manual - got it in my head you had an 1501, not a 1525.   The manuals for the 1525 below:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/index.htm

alexandra...i apologize for not being specific on the first post, i hope i didn't take up too much of your time. but for that, i appreciate all of the information and help you have given me. hopefully one of your tips will help, but i am grateful either way.