[Woeful]

The computer is a Dell Dimension E510, running Windows 7 and Windows XP (it's dual built).

I do not have discs for either Windows type.

When I power the computer on it goes directly to a black screen with a white, blinking underscore. BIOS does not load, I do not see the Dell loading screen nor do I get to the Windows loading screen. I don't know a lot about computers, so I'm stumped. F2, F8, F12 do nothing. Please help? :c

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Woeful

If you normally see a Dell BIOS splash screen but you are not getting one now but you do get a white "blinking underscore" there may be an issue with the BIOS chip itself.

Please answer the following questions for us;

Had you made any hardware or software changes previous to this happening.
Have you tried tapping the Tab key when you restart the computer (this is how some MBs turn off/on the BIOS splash screen).
Do you have an add on video card fitted.
Would you be ok with opening up the computer if it is necessary.

[phillpower2]

Woeful

If you normally see a Dell BIOS splash screen but you are not getting one now but you do get a white "blinking underscore" there may be an issue with the BIOS chip itself.

Please answer the following questions for us;

Had you made any hardware or software changes previous to this happening.
Have you tried tapping the Tab key when you restart the computer (this is how some MBs turn off/on the BIOS splash screen).
Do you have an add on video card fitted.
Would you be ok with opening up the computer if it is necessary.