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Computer stalls at start up
HI all, when I start up my computer, it stalls at the start up. I see the Dell logo, and then all I get is a blinking cursor at the top left of the screen. Nothing else happens.
Pursuant to a Dell support suggestion, I ran the extended test diagnostic, but found no problems. After I completed the test (which took 1&1/2 hrs), however, the computer started up properly. I ran a virus scan and found nothing. Everything seems to be working great, but now I'm afraid to turn the computer off.
I haven't installed any new devices or software recently.
I have a Dimension 8400 running Windows XP.
Any suggestions?
heartychoke
12 Posts
395
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Posted February 18th, 2006 20:00
Don't know if this applies, but I had a similar problem when Windows closed ungracefully with a USB flash drive plugged into the machine, and I restarted without removing the USB key. I turned off the machine, unplugged the key, then restarted with no problems.
Perhaps Windows was attempting to boot from the USB key. If you have a disk inserted or USB key plugged in, you may want to try removing it before restarting.
Cheers,
MattMessage Edited by heartychoke on 02-18-2006 04:02 PM
- An image restore is like a system restore except it goes back to the way it was first day you unpacked your computer. It's only done as a last step, because it will erase anything you put on yuor computer that didn't come pre-installed. The only other option after that is a full re-installation of Windows, which is a pain.If you want to do the image restore, hold ctrl and tap F11 while your comput is starting up, and it will ask you if you want to do the restore. You can call Dell if you still have trouble and they'll help you out.
Bob Sampson
32 Posts
395
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Posted February 19th, 2006 05:00
I had problems with startup-removed some software etc
The only hardware I had installed was a Lynksys router and as soon as I removed it the computer restarted and have had no problems since. Like you evertime I did reboot my computer frooze
Bob Sampson
deviler
6 Posts
395
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Posted February 18th, 2006 17:00