Startup error screen

[jfreeman]

I have an Dell Inspiron 2600 laptop. When I boot up the laptop I get the black screen with the highlighted Start Windows Normally. I am unable to get past this screen as it continually reboots into this screen, nor can I scroll into the safe mode. I cannot even boot into setup. It seems like all my keys, except the enter key, are not responsive. I am running Win Xp SP2, 640MB ram. All was right on Friday, now today this happens. Any thoughts? Many thanks!

[3fingersalute]

What about if you hook an external keyboard to it?

Can you boot to a cd, and if so, does everything work fine there?

If its an operating system problem, a repair install may be in order.

[jfreeman]

I can boot up from a CD, but when I hit the "r" key for repair console
nothing happens(nor any other key except "enter" and "page down" keys.

[3fingersalute]

I can boot up from a CD, but when I hit the "r" key for repair console
nothing happens(nor any other key except "enter" and "page down" keys.

Have you tried that with an external keyboard?

[jfreeman]

I will give it a try! Many thanks!

[3fingersalute]

I will give it a try! Many thanks!

If it works, you probably just need a new kayboard for the laptop - not uncommon really, especially if there has been a spill recently?

[jfreeman]

The external key board works. Again many thanks!

[3fingersalute]

The external key board works. Again many thanks!

Cool. If you feel comfortable, check the connectors to the mainboard and make sure they haven't come loose.

If its not the connections, it will need a new keyobard. If its under warranty, get it to Dell for warranty replacement. If not, you'll need a new keyboard, Dell p/n is 6G515.

Good luck!