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StarbugII

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20 years ago

S

StarbugII

3 Posts

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6731

October 23rd, 2006 09:00

Windows won't start

I have a Dimensions 4600 computer which currently won't start, even in safe mode. 
 
 When I turn the computer I get a black screen saying something about my computer not being able to start normally, and it gives me 5 options
- start in safe mode
- start in safe mode with networking
- start in safe mode wih command prompt
- last known good configuration
- start windows normally
 
None of these options work.  If I choose the 'last known good configuration' or 'start windows normally', the Windows screen appears, then is goes to a totally black screen and doesn't move any further
 
If I choose to enter in 'safe mode'/'safe mode with command prompt' it shows a list of file names and finally stops at AGP400.sys and goes no further.
 
I have also tried running a driver diagnostic, and the only error that I get is

0f00:136c IDE device. Blank media or no media is present in optical.Test requires media with digital data

Does anyone have any suggestion about what I show do next??? I would rather not have to re-format my computer because there are files that haven't been backed up yet .

  • E

    EMT64

    2 Intern

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    299 Posts

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    Posted October 23rd, 2006 09:00

    Welcome to Dell Community Forum!
     
    It seems your computer has a problem with the video driver.
     
    Please see this article in the microsoft site:
     
    Don't worry about the error returned by the diagnostics utility.
    It happened because the utility can't test the CD/DVD drive.
     

    Message Edited by EMT64 on 10-23-2006 09:01 AM

  • S

    StarbugII

    3 Posts

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    Posted October 23rd, 2006 10:00

    Thanks.  I'll follow the instructions and see what happens.
     
    Do you have any idea what may have caused this?  The casue on the microsoft website says 'Windows XP tries to use an incompatible motherboard chipset video driver during startup' - but I haven't changed anything on my system and it's been working fine for the past year.
  • S

    StarbugII

    3 Posts

    174

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    Posted October 24th, 2006 08:00

    I followed the instructions last night and like magic - my computer is back up and running.
     
    Thanks for you help
  • E

    EMT64

    2 Intern

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    299 Posts

    174

    0

    Posted October 24th, 2006 09:00

    Thanks for posting back. I'm glad I could help you.
     
     

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