Solved: Can't get passed boot screen!

drivinscool · 11-11-2008

Hi all, my pc will switch on but stops at the boot screen (with the big blue DELL on a black background)

It gives me the 2 usual options
:F2 = Setup
:F12 = Boot Menu

All sounds as it should but it won't go any further and to make things worse my keyboard is non responsive, infact it seems that the USB's are not working properly, there is power from them though.

So I cannot choose the above options.

I've tried a different keyboard too, no joy.

I'm happy to reformat and start from scratch if I need to but how can I get to the prompt?

Help please!

Rich.

Jelly Bean · 11-11-2008

Hello and welcome to PCHelpForum.

Firstly did you actualy try a diffrent USB port?

Second have you tried a normal PS2 keyboard?

Are you able to enter BIOS/Setup at all?

Is your BIOS passwored?Power off the computer and remove BIOS battery for 1 minute replace reboot.

drivinscool · 11-11-2008

Hi, don't have a normal ps2 keyboard or a socket for one on my pc
No I can't enter the bios setup at all, have looked at and tried the options in the sticky.
All the USB's are doing the same, they will switch on my external HD and light up my bluetooth dongle but won't recognize the keyboards, tested by switching caps lock on/off but the little light doesn't display on the keyboard as it does connected to the laptop i'm using now.

No password protection.

Jelly Bean · 11-11-2008

discoonect all external hardware that is not required for boot such as external hard drive,printer etc.Then try again to restart the computer.

I have marked your thread as "Open" in reayness for the Tech Team and wonderfull members to help you.

However lets see if we can rule out some things causing the issue while we wait.

JB.

Hengis · 11-11-2008

Hello Rich,

Open the PC case, remove the power lead, locate the bios battery on the motherboard (it looks like this:

)

Gently prise it out and leave it out for a couple of minutes. Put the battery back in, plug in the power cable and close the PC case.

Switch on and test...

drivinscool · 11-11-2008

Will try that now (had to go out and do a couple of hours work)

Tjenner2 · 11-11-2008

I would go as far as to remove the keyboard and mouse as well. You should get to at least a keyboard error, or end up at the windows logo and won't be able to log in. This would also give the indication that it was the USB keyboard causing the problem. If after discharging the system as Hengis explained you can boot to windows, I would get the most resent BIOS update from Support.dell.com and flash the BIOS.

11-11-2008	#1
drivinscool Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 PC Experience: Some Experience	Can't get passed boot screen! Hi all, my pc will switch on but stops at the boot screen (with the big blue DELL on a black background) It gives me the 2 usual options :F2 = Setup :F12 = Boot Menu All sounds as it should but it won't go any further and to make things worse my keyboard is non responsive, infact it seems that the USB's are not working properly, there is power from them though. So I cannot choose the above options. I've tried a different keyboard too, no joy. I'm happy to reformat and start from scratch if I need to but how can I get to the prompt? Help please! Rich.

11-11-2008	#2
Jelly Bean Stoooooopid Girl. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Swansea Posts: 12,804 PC Experience: None.	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! Hello and welcome to PCHelpForum. Firstly did you actualy try a diffrent USB port? Second have you tried a normal PS2 keyboard? Are you able to enter BIOS/Setup at all? Is your BIOS passwored?Power off the computer and remove BIOS battery for 1 minute replace reboot. __________________ Rwy'n ceisio fy ngorau.

11-11-2008	#3
drivinscool Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 PC Experience: Some Experience	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! Hi, don't have a normal ps2 keyboard or a socket for one on my pc No I can't enter the bios setup at all, have looked at and tried the options in the sticky. All the USB's are doing the same, they will switch on my external HD and light up my bluetooth dongle but won't recognize the keyboards, tested by switching caps lock on/off but the little light doesn't display on the keyboard as it does connected to the laptop i'm using now. No password protection.

11-11-2008	#4
Jelly Bean Stoooooopid Girl. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Swansea Posts: 12,804 PC Experience: None.	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! discoonect all external hardware that is not required for boot such as external hard drive,printer etc.Then try again to restart the computer. I have marked your thread as "Open" in reayness for the Tech Team and wonderfull members to help you. However lets see if we can rule out some things causing the issue while we wait. JB. __________________ Rwy'n ceisio fy ngorau.

11-11-2008	#5
Hengis PCHF Founder & Owner Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The PCHF Bunker Posts: 15,716 PC Experience: Microsoft Certified Professional	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! Hello Rich, Open the PC case, remove the power lead, locate the bios battery on the motherboard (it looks like this: ) Gently prise it out and leave it out for a couple of minutes. Put the battery back in, plug in the power cable and close the PC case. Switch on and test... __________________ Handy Links: Pre-Work \| System File Checker \| Promote PCHF! \| Post your BSOD \| Post a screenshot \| Network info Tool

11-11-2008	#6
drivinscool Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 PC Experience: Some Experience	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! Will try that now (had to go out and do a couple of hours work)

11-11-2008	#7
Tjenner2 Tech Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 259 PC Experience: Somewhat of a know-it-all	Re: Can't get passed boot screen! I would go as far as to remove the keyboard and mouse as well. You should get to at least a keyboard error, or end up at the windows logo and won't be able to log in. This would also give the indication that it was the USB keyboard causing the problem. If after discharging the system as Hengis explained you can boot to windows, I would get the most resent BIOS update from Support.dell.com and flash the BIOS. __________________ Regards, TJ Did you find my help useful? If so consider the idea of contributing. DONATE

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