We have a 3.5 yo Dell Dimension 3000.  We had a two fold problem one of which I took care of by reformating and reinstalling Windows XP.  The other problem, When we turn the computer on we get a balck screen telling us there is a problem.  When we hit F2 and go to setup the date is wrong.  At first the date was August 24, 2004.  I found an update for the BIOS on Dell http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R115211&SystemID=DIM_CEL_3000& < ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed per privacy policy >&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=308&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=151932 

 

Now when we turn the computer on the date is January 2006 so two years better but we still get a black screen when we boot.  Is this a software problem or is the internal battery dead? If it is the battery can one be ordered and can I install it myself?

 

Thanks

Pat