I have a computer that had Windows XP Pro on it, the computer went down, how do I restore it to working as I only get a blank screen, also is it possible to put Windows 98 SE on it instead?
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I have a computer that had Windows XP Pro on it, the computer went down, how do I restore it to working as I only get a blank screen, also is it possible to put Windows 98 SE on it instead?
.Ok you have a BLANK screen? Do you hear any thing from your computer?
Maybe video is out.
I can go to the advanced menu for troubleshooting and thats it. I have taken everything out or off of it to restart it, but no success. I have a 56K Global modem PC card and a ACCURA 56K for PC card. It also says that the BIOS is A12 on start-up.
so you see the bios screen, that means it is POSTing at least.
Can you boot to a floppy or cd?
I see the BIOS A12 on power-up when it is turned on. It will not do anything after that but give me a blank screen.. I can access the set-up screen and the advanced screen and thats all. Tell me how to get the BIOS screen so I know if I'm looking at the right thing.
On dells, usually pressing F2 will enter the BIOS, F12 will give you a boot menu to choose which device you wish to boot to.
Can you tell me how to restart my computer, if you could tell me the steps it would be helpful. When do I push the F12 button, what's next after that.
You can go to start, Turn off, then hit restart key. when you see anything on screen start tapping f2 key constantly like if you stop the world will
stop so keep tapping. Then you should get bios option screen .
I got the screen, I am trying to start the lap again as my O.S. will not come on after I see the Dell screen. What do I do now. Do I have to load the O.S. again, it is xp Pro or can I put 98 on it again, if so where can I get a download of 98. The xp pro was put on by a friend who used to work with me and I can no longer contact him..
OK, first of all, you need to load what legally belongs on it. You cannot just "download" Windows 98, XP or any other version of Windows legally. If you look, it will probably have a sticker on the bottom (certificate of authenticity) showing you what version of Windows was legally sold with that machine. Being a Dell, they use their own proprietary builds of Windows, so that key# located on the sticker won't just work with any CD you have or can get ahold of; you'll actually need the Dell branded cd that it shipped with. If you can't find it, try contacting dell support to see if you can order a replacement.Quote:
Originally Posted by bowwow
If all else fails, you could download a distro of Linux, it is a free operating system that you can load on legally.
and btw, when you see the Dell screen upon first turning the laptop on, push F12 to bring up a boot menu that will allow you to choose what device you wish to boot to.
Good luck! :thumbs2: