Computer won't boot - will a new motherboard solve my problem?

Question

I've been having problems with my Dell Dimension 2400 and currently, it won't boot. The Dell screen loads up, does not beep like it used to, and then goes to a blank screen with a flashing underscore. After about 2 minutes and 25 seconds, the screen says:

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this...."

Then it gives me several options to start windows (safe mode, normally, etc.). The last line says this:

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.
Seconds until WIndows starts: 30

It will count down to 29 and then freeze. Sometimes, it'll just freeze at 30.

Booting from CD does not work.

On one occasion, I got a "keyboard failure" message.

The contents of the hard drive can be read by my 2nd computer so I don't think that's the problem.

Is there anything else that could be the problem? I want to be sure before I spend the money on a new mobo.

Answer 1

Dell usually includes a restore image on their computers.You should get a sort message when you start the computer like"press F12 for recovery" If not go to the CMOS (F1,F2 or delete key on boot) and change the boot priority so you can start from the CD.Since you have a second PC backup your data there.
Also a new motherboard (non Dell) will not work since Dell uses proprietary hardware.The back of the motherboard will not align with the holes of the case.

Answer 2

Given the 1st few lines of your question: >every time i boot it up , the equipment will say "warning! Overclock failed". >And IDE slave no longer detected. Then im given strategies to start residing house windows by using >default or pass into the BIOS putting. It sounds like 2 issues could be occurring for the period of placed up, in the previous residing house windows even starts off to load: a million) Your CPU settings are the two incorrect or no longer supported. 2) there's a difficulty alongside with your IDE bus. it would desire to be that one in all yourcontinual's jumpers are set incorrectly, or perchance the BIOS is calling forward to there to be acontinual the place there are none related. My suggestion, in the previous troubleshooting the indications you have in residing house windows, is to get rid of the blunders you spot at boot time. the 1st step would be besides your laptop and enter the BIOS settings. seem on the reveal for some thing that announces "Default Settings" or "restoration Defaults." some motherboards even have extra beneficial than one set of defaults, Fail-secure and Optimized. attempt putting your BIOS to Failsafe Defaults (or only undeniable Defaults if it is the only decision), then save your settings and stop. in the experience that your boot-time blunders messages pass away, then you definately are one step nearer to resolving this difficulty. Please placed up your outcomes in this question and we are able to persist with up on the the remainder of your themes.

Answer 3

Try to reset all your parts. One time my computer would not boot, would just beep. I took out a put in all the parts one by one. When I took out the ram and put it back in it fixed it. Sometimes its just technical error. Try that before you do anything else (don't need to take out and put motherboard in).

Answer 4

Hi. Check your keyboard for a stuck key.

Answer 5

Format the hard drive and re install windows.

Answer 6

try this... reset the BIOS of your motherboard. Random problems like yours usually indicate a BIOS going haywire.... rest the darn thing.....

Answer 7

sounds like a motherboardissue now when you buy one i would be careful that its compatible with everything you have.