You press F12 to get to the boot menu.

 

Control-F11 takes you to PC restore.

 

You do both of these when you see the Dell logo.

 

If the machine won't boot, then you have another problem.  If you don't press any keys what happens?

 

What color is the power indicator?  Is it flashing?

 

What is the pattern of the diagnostic lights on the back (A-B-C-D)?

 

Peter 

OK, the power light is steady and on.  The ABCD is lit and green.

 

I had Windows XP Home Edition on this computer.  I upgraded the software to XP Professional (a terrific platform BTW). 

 

When trying to reinstall XP, I inserted the Dell Windows XP CD, the computer informed me that I had a newer version of XP.  When I inserted the XP Professional Upgrade CD, it started running.  It asked me whether I wanted to upgrade or reinstall.  I said reinstall.  It started its thing.  It informed me it was rebooting the machine.  I assumed it would take a while.  Two hours later, it wouldn't reboot.  The machine was on but the screen was blank.

 

OK, now you know everything I know.

If the power light is green and diagnostic lights are all green, then at least you don't have a hardware problem.

 

You can't access the BIOS setup now?

 

Or is just won't boot?  What do you see when it tries to boot (Dell logo, etc)?

 

Did you try the install again?  

 

Peter 

All lights are green.

 

The computer will not boot.  It lights up, but it neither accesses the CD or the HD.  Just sits there.  BTW throughout this exercise, I haven't ever seen the DELL screen.  Even on my Vista (If there is a worse package, don't get started...) I see the DELL screen while it starts out.

 

That's my issue Peter.  I don't have anything on this machine.  All I have to reinstall windows XP.  Is there a way (removing the battery or jumpers from the MD) that I can reset to where I can access the BIOS?

 

All I'm trying to do is set the BIOS to reboot from the CD so that I can reinstall the Windows XP software. 

 

Thanks for being patient.  If this computer wasn't for my 10yo son I'd drop kick it out the window.

The lights cycle then all go on.

 

Signs of life?  Aside from green lights, nothing on the screen.  The fan works, but no drive gets spun.  I've yanked the battery, pressed the on button for 10 seconds, now waiting for the 10 minutes.

 

Resetting the CMOS will do what for me?

 

Thanks,

 

Angel

Do you see the diagnostic lights cycle (start all off and then go through various patterns until all are on)?

 

So basically you haven't seen any sign of life from this machine?  When was the last time that you did?

 

You can try to reset the CMOS. Pull the power cord and the battery on the motherboard.  Then press the power button for 10 seconds to drain the power supply.  Then wait 10 minutes and put it back together.

 

Peter 

I doubt resetting the CMOS will help.  The machine thinks it is working.  The cycling lights indicate that it is testing the hardware and it found everything working.

 

Are you sure that the monitor is connected and working?

 

I doubt resetting the CMOS will help.  In fact it might cause a problem because the machine will likely think you have a floppy and you probably don't.  Then it will complain about it not being there.  Of course, once you can get the video working, you might be able to fix that. 

 

Peter 

Here is what Dell says about that diagnostic light pattern:

 

Another failure has occurred.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
• If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup to make sure that the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
• If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

I would also try reseating all the cables, cards and RAM. Try disconnecting all peripherals (particularly USB).

 

It seems to think that it is trying to boot so I'm not sure why you can't get into the BIOS setup.

 

Peter

OK Peter.  New development.  Now the D is amber, no longer green.  It also faintly beeped twice when I turned it on.  Otherwise, still a blank screen, still no activity to access any of the drives.

OK, the cables were reseated, now all 4 are green.  But alas, it just sits there.  I did notice the fan for the chipset hasn't turned on.

 

I'm stuck.  You're stuck.  Maybe someone can help...?