Dell Quick Fixes

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Solution:

Attempt System Restore by going to Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.
If System Restore does not work, get into BIOS.
Do ALT-F and you should hear a beep.
Next do ALT-E.
Then do ALT-B to rebuild the IDE configuration.
The system should function normally and recognize the IDE CDRW.

Problem:: The PC just comes up to a cursor in the upper left-hand corner of the screen after the Dell Logo; can't get to Safe Mode or BIOS after a failed download and an attempted reboot.

Solution:

Disconnect the power cord. You may need to disconnect all cords on the back, not just the power cord.
Hold in the power button for 30 seconds.
Reconnect power cord and boot up.
Look at lights on the back. Hopefully A is green, B is green, C is yellow, and D is yellow.
Disconnect the power cord.
Hold in the power button for 1 minute.
Connect power cord only and boot up.
Hopefully A,B,C lights on the back are green but D is yellow.
Disconnect the power cord.
Hold the power button in for 1 minute.
Reconnect the keyboard, monitor, and power only.
Boot up in Safe Mode (tapping F8 at the Dell Logo screen).
Hopefully it comes up and lights A,B,C,D are all green.
Log into Administrator account.
Do a normal shutdown.
Plug in the mouse.
Start up again, tapping F8 at the Dell Logo screen to boot up into Safe Mode.
Go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.
The PC should come up normally then.

Solution:

When booting up the machine, at the Dell logo screen press CTRL-ALT-D simultaneously for the IDE Drive Diagnostics.