Hi Robert,

As suggested in the post the air vents could be clogged. I recommend you to clean the air vents gently with a can of compressed air. Make sure the system is placed on a flat surface where there is good air circulation.
Also flash BIOS from the link below:

http://dell.to/YieE2T

Note: While flashing BIOS connect the Ac adapter and make sure the battery has minimum 15% charge as this needs uninterrupted power supply. Do not use the system till it restarts and comes up to the desktop.

Next install the chipset and Video drivers from the links given below and in the same order:

Chipset: http://dell.to/XQRvVs
Video Driver: http://dell.to/VXUUjy

Restart the system after each driver installation. In case the issue persists even after performing above mentioned steps, I recommend you to run diagnostics on the hardware components of the system. Please find the link below for instruction to run diagnostics:

http://dell.to/OUGnqT

 The diagnostics may take around 5 minutes. Please reply to this post in case of any error message.

Awaiting your response to assist you further.

“To know more about Dell’s products, services and drivers & downloads, please go to http://dell.to/QjjZDA "

Hi Robert,

Unfortunately we have not received feedback from you on this topic. If you need continued support, please respond to this post. Other community members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.

Oh, I did clean the air vents.

Thanks

I have not tried your suggestion  but hopefully before the week is over. I'm not sure if I understand all of your suggestions.

Thank You,

Robert

Hi Robert,

Please let me know after performing all the steps, also let me know if there is confusion.

Hello,

Thanks so much for your help. I am currently away form, my Dell--a family emergency in another state. As soon as I return I will get to work on the Dell--following your instructions.

Thank You,

Robert

Hi Robert,

Please try the following steps given in the post when you are free and at system. In case you need further assistance, please reply to this post or start a new thread.

Hello,

I've started this process according to your instructions. Fist of all my battery does not work--my PC is powered form a reliable outlet. Once I get to the bios page, which instructions do I follow.

Thank You

You cannot update the BIOS without a battery that's charged and working.  Nor should you try - if the flash halts or the power goes out, the system will be toast.

Do I have any other alternatives beyond buying a new battery for a very old computer?

Hi Robert,

If the battery is not working, the only other option is to replace it with a new battery. If the system works fine only with the Ac adapter connected, you may continue to work only with the Ac adapter connected if you choose to.