[Broni]

You may need to change boot order in BIOS.
Depending on your Dell model, you need to press following key at the startup, to access BIOS:



Depending on BIOS type, you'll see something like this:



Using keys listed in the right hand pane, you'll have to "push" CD drive before hard drive (floppy drive position doesn't matter).

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all i get is a black screen with a blinking dash in the corner and nothing happens

[Dazed&Confused08]

all i get is a black screen with a blinking dash in the corner and nothing happens

[Broni]

Turn the computer off. Leave it off for 5 minutes.
Turn it on.
Anything, but blinking cursor?

[Dazed&Confused08]

i'm still getting the blinking cursor

[Broni]

Turn computer off.
Open the case.
Touch any bare metal part to protect the computer parts from the static.
Remove RAM. Put it back.
If you have more, than one RAM stick, try starting computer with one stick at a time.

[Dazed&Confused08]

i'm getting the same response

[Broni]

How many RAM sticks do you have there?

[Dazed&Confused08]

i have two. 1GB and 256MB

[Broni]

Did you try to start the computer with one stick at a time?
If so, remove all cards, except for RAM, disconnect any external devices, except for the mouse, and keyboard...try again.

[Dazed&Confused08]

yes i did, what do u mean remove all cards

[Broni]

Any card, you have inside: video card, sound card, network card, etc.
One more question...at what point the display went from BSOD to just blinking cursor?

[Dazed&Confused08]

i've never put any type of card in my computer, but there is one big rectangle stick in here on the left side, is that it? when i boot up, it immediately goes to the blinking cursor and i never get the BSOD.

[Dazed&Confused08]

i've never put any type of card in my computer, but there is one big rectangle stick in here on the left side, is that it? when i boot up, it immediately goes to the blinking cursor and i never get the BSOD.

[Broni]

Well, I see no other option, but bad motherboard, then.

[Dazed&Confused08]

so, i take it that i'll have to replace this? how much do u think that'll cost me