I'm hoping someone can help me out.

I have a Dell XPS 710 w/ Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit operating system. My graphics card is an Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX. You can see further details such as memory on my profile page.


Here's what I did:
I installed Windows Vista SP1 (32 bit) and for a little while everything seemed fine. Then I started getting a blue snow effect and my computer started locking up and crashing. I then started getting a blue screen with text saying something about crash dumps. I then tried system restore to a point before I had installed SP1, but there werent any points before SP1's installation for me to restore to. Then I figured I just needed the updated drivers for my video card, so at work I downloaded Windows SP2 and the most recent Nvidia drivers. When I got home and started up my PC to install the new SP and drivers, I couldn't get Windows to boot up. I got the BIOS screen, but that was it. In the course of shutting down and restarting my PC, after a couple of tries I somehow got the Safe Mode option and started Windows as such. While in safe mode I attempted to install SP2, but the computer crashed midway through the installation. When I started it back up I was given the option to "Start-up Repair", which I took. After that ran for a couple of hours, I was able to load up Windows normally. Once in Windows, I attempted and for the most part was successful, in uninstalling SP1 and the other updates that came with it. Only 3 updates remain now as I was not given the option to uninstall them. I then noticed I was still getting the blue snow effect, so I installed the updated Nvidia Drivers. After Installation the computer automatically restarted itself and windows loaded up fine, but after a couple of minutes I noticed the blue snow again, so I used system restore again to return to a point before the attempted installation of SP2 and the new drivers and let it run over night as I went to bed.

This morning when I got up system restore had finished and I logged back in and noticed that the blue snow was gone. I decided to test the PC by playing Fallout 3, as the crashes I previously experienced were primarily while I was playing it. I was able to play for a few minutes with no problems, so I exited the game and went to take a shower. When I got finished getting ready for work, I loaded the game back up and I wasn't even playing for 2 minutes before the computer locked up and I had to shut it off by using the power button as ctrl+alt+dlt didn't work. When I tried to restart the PC, nothing happens now. The computer turns on, the lights all work and I can hear the hard drive working as well as seeing the hard drive diagnostic light turned on showing that it's working properly, but nothing loads up now, not even the BIOS screen with the Dell logo.

My problem has steadily gotten worse and now like I said I can't even get the BIOS screen to show or anything. Even the power light on the monitor stays in the power saving mode. I opened up the case and looked at all the components, nothing looked or smelled burned, and when I turn the computer on, all the internal lights work, the hard drive makes it's normal sounds and all the fans, including the one on the video card, work properly. I don't know what's going on and I need any help you can give me.

Thanks for taking the time to reply,
LeeHarvey

You're probably going to have to contact DELL about this one, because it sounds like Vista has somehow done something to either the boot sector on your hard disk, or (and this is more likely by the sounds of things), somehow affected the special memory built into the motherboard which tells the PC how to start up (theres a name for it, but I cant remember what it is ).

As DELL insist on using special motherboards and BIOS software for their PCs (both to make it as difficult as possible to upgrade, in the hopes youll just buy a new PC from them instead, and to help ensure novice users dont accidently manage to irreparably break anything), what might work with a normal PC may not work for you, or might be extremely difficult. For example, getting hold of a copy of the BIOS for your PC, to reflash it, could prove problematic.

I hate DELL with a passion (I've spent the past 5 years using a DELL PC, I have all too much experience with this), but talking to them seems to be your best bet.

So, do you think I should be able to fix this if I use Dell's, online trouble shooting/support ? I've been going over it, but the problem is I am at work, and I don't have an internet connection at home nor a second PC. I can follow the steps they give, but I am going to have to do a step each day and it is going to take me a while.

The problem you are describing sound more like either a temperature problem - usually caused by a fan not working or dust clogging the air channels. As it seems to affect the video, look at the fan on the graphics card first.

Or a power supply problem. Often on systems such as Dell, they use the smallest power supply they can get away with. And there is not enough extra power for a major upgrade like a good graphics card.

It can also be a failing video card.

And as the previous poster said, they use non standard parts to make it difficult. So before ordering a new power supply make sure it will fit your case.

The BIOS is not on the hard drive, but embedded in a chip on the motherboard. You can only access it during start up - a message should appear for a very short time, such as 'press F2 for BIOS settings' But it could be the esc or del key also.

See, I don't get any kind of message at all though, just a completely black screen.

I didn't think it would be my video card failing because it's not all that old, and I didn't experience any problems whatsoever until I installed SP1. I surely hope it's not my video card as I really can not afford to buy a new one.

I looked at all the fans in the case and they all seemed to be running fine, including the one on the video card, but now that you mention it, I think I will remove and reseat the video card after checking the air ducts in it to make sure they aren't clogged.

As far as power supply, I didn't really think of that. Like the video card I never really had any problems before. All of this started with the installation of that damned service pack which sort of leads me to believe its not necessarily a failing hardware issue, just "Garbage in, Garbage out" as the saying goes.

I just wish I could get the BIOS screen to load at all. The maybe I could try other boot options and reinstall the whole damned operating system. I am at the point now where I don't care if I lose any information. I have backups if necessary. I just want my PC to run so I can play.

If you can't get even the bios startup you have a motherboard failure. By what you described it was not a SP issue, you were already having serious hardware troubles and should have sent the computer to professional care.

Most mobos have a sound signal system to identify the problem type, like processor, RAM, videocard... since troubles in those components would prevent the setup image (PSU too can be at failing state at some line, albeit the 12V seems to be working). If you can hear that signal try to identify the code which is a sequence of long/short tweets. Search for them in the web or report them to us.

If everything else failed to trace down the problem and you can't get to the BIOS, there is nothing to be done other then replacing the Motherboard (you can try reprogramming the BIOS or changing only the chip but you may find replacing the Mobo easier to do).

Indeed you should leave the machine under professional hands.

I appreciate the reply and the information nosisab.

I didn't have any problems at all before installing the service pack.

I have never heard any beeps or tweets from my PC at all either.

I would like to get a professional to fix my PC, but unfortunately, I don't have the monetary means to do so.

I understand, but if you'll do try to identify the troubles for yourself at least that sound code you need to know. If it is not playing at all it may be the little buzz is off (unwired) or missing. You'll need it to know where to look for the problem. The videocard would be under suspection from me from what you did describe before. What is for sure it is not a software issue (unless some virus deleted your POST *the initial bios startup*, a thing I think not because the evolution of the issue).

I'm really sorry but without the setup's image or the sound code there is nothing we can do to help identifying the failing device. The only things that would prevent that image to show up are: PSU, the motherboard itself, CPU, RAM or videocard. And it is a hardware issue, no software would let the machine so irresponsible (except where the BIOS POST was deleted by virus, as told above and which by it's characteristics may condemn the whole mobo).

PS: Forgot to mention the monitor itself yet not the stronger candidate.

Ok well, I will listen for any sound code when I get home and try to start it up.

I can't think of anything that happened recently for any of the Hardware to have been broken. There were no power surges or anything like that and from what I can tell, when I removed the casing all the internals appeared to be normal. I didn't see or smell any burning and all the lights and fans are running as usual.

This really sucks as this PC is not all that old, not even 2 years yet.

I did recently move, but I was careful to make sure everything was turned off correctly before I unplugged it. It ran fine for three weeks after the move before I installed the service pack.

Do you think I can start it up with the OS disk in it and have it boot that up even though I don't get the BIOS page to display?

Could all of this be caused by turning the PC off and on so much using the power button instead of how I normally would through windows?

I don't think using the power button is the cause. Hardware failures can happen for no apparent reasons. What let me be so positive about being a hardware issue is justly because no image at all... it can't be caused for drivers for that image do not depend on drivers, not even the mobo drivers. The BIOS cant rely at anything more than the non volatile information on the chip to enable the POST (Power On Self Test) ... not even the CMOS should prevent the image to show up. Yet overclocking attempts could do it although it does not seems to be the case. But here there is something you can try: Identify on your mobo a jumper that 'clear' the CMOS and reset the mobo to a safety state. You must shortcut that jumper for a few seconds with the power completely down (unplug the power cable).

Hope you have luck there.

PS: The importance of that POST it is because it do depends neither the CPU nor the RAM, indeed it can identify if one of them is the problem. That sound code is extremely useful to identify the faulty device. If everything is working fine the post terminates with a single short beep (sorry my English may fail to find the correct words at times). Because of it some manufacturers sets off the buzz... because the sound code would be aways audible, even the code for 'everything OK'.

PS2: Since you may have difficulties to log when at home. Try removing and replacing all the cards, it can care of some possible bad contacts. Do it for the RAMs and Videocard at least... you should not attempt to do so with the CPU because the risk of compromising the thermal gel.

Ok, how do I do that. Is there a small button or switch on the mother board?

I will take a look at it again when I get home and see if I can find a disconnected cable to a buzzer. I have never noticed any sound codes on startup so I am guessing Dell disabled it like you said during manufacture.

There are a series of Diagnostic lights on the front of the PC that are supposed to display in a certain sequence and tell you what's wrong with the PC. Would that work just as well as a sound code?

DELL PCs do not use the motherboard beeper for diagnostics during POST, irritatingly. There are for diagnostic lights on the front of the case, at least with my Dimension 9150, marked 1, 2, 3, and 4, and these are used to indicate which stage the PC is at when booting. Different combinations of numbers mean different things, you'll have to consult your manual to find out what they mean (If DELL didn't send you one with your PC, which they have an irritating habit of doing, you're going to have to try and find it somewhere on their website). I *think* the motherboard itself may have a small LCD screen somewhere on it which also displays diagnostic information, but I may be getting confused with another manufacturer.

If everything was working fine until you installed SP1, its unlikely its a hardware problem - however, all the other evidence does point to something failing, somewhere. Reflashing the BIOS may fix the problem, but not only am I unsure how to do that with a DELL motherboard, but getting hold of the custom BIOS software they use could be tricky too.

Oh, and nosisab, it can't have anything to do with overclocking, because the options for doing that have been conveniently removed from the BIOS in all DELL motherboards. Doing it through an application in Windows doesnt work either.

Re. the CMOS jumper: again, you're gonna need to consult the manual for your PC, or contact DELL technical support, to find out where exactly you need to connect it. And ofc, you need to actually get hold of one from somewhere, DELL don't supply them with their PCs.

Not sure how Dell implements that CMOS clearing, yet this is something ALL motherboards have. Normally that jumper is a 2 or in some cases 3 pins with a little plastic piece (that indeed is a shorter) placed at the pins 2 and 3 while in normal operation and meant to be placed (with all the power down) at the pins 1 and 2 for a few seconds to perform that CMOS clearing. I did see once one ASUS mobo that had just two soldering points and maybe some mobo may implement a switch (less probably because it should not be a common procedure and not meant to be done for mistake)

About the lights, I don't know albeit it's perfectly possible. You should search for your mobo manual if you can recall it's model while accessing the web, if you don't have it at house, and at least take note of the jumpers positions and everything more you deem worthwhile. Try finding something about the Dell ways to identify that kind of troubles. Anyway the function of the jumper may be impressed onto the mobo's surface and I hope you have means to see it well.

At this point I don't have anything more I can think to try and help in advance. Take note of everything you do, even if those lights flashes and carefully observe the way they does it. The sequence and timings may be important to diagnose the trouble.

I really wish you luck here. It's not unknown that the simple removing and replacing of some cards may resolve some problems related with poor contact.

I have the Manual and noticed the lights flashing when I turn it on, but they flash in random patterns and none of the patterns stay lit very long at all. Its almost as if the computer is booting up normally, but there is no signal to the monitor. I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor, but that didn't fix anything as far as I can tell.

BTW, what does CMOS mean?

Also, after a bit of looking around, I realized that before the total blackout I'm suffering now, I had been experiencing what people are calling "the Blue Screen of Death" where I would get some crash dump information and then the PC would restart, although it wouldn't load windows up.

Ops, sorry The_Terminator, I did not see your former post. Do help our friend with Dells specific, something I badly lack experience.

The CMOS is just a volatile RAM that maintain some informations related to specific configurations, as the date, time, and some useful informations about the used CPU among other things... yet nothing that can impacts the BIOS except where already told about excessive overclock that can prevent the POST... clearing it forces the BIOS to redo the basic configurations from safe 'hardcoded' informations. The only real disvantages of clearing the CMOS is losing those informations like date, hour and personal configurations. That CMOS is the reason for that battery on the mobo.

As analogy think the CMOS as the same as the INI files you may delete and the game recreate a fresh copy from a template. the worse is you losing the tweaks done.

About the overclocking I'm sure it was not attempted based in the issue evolution... I just pointed it as one reason the bios may fail to boot... and maybe the cmos got corrupted and so on, highly speculative I know, yet worth a try. RAM timings too are kept in the CMOS and can prevent the POST.

Hm, if all the lights on the front go through their usual pattern, and then turn off, that means it didnt encounter any errors... which indicates it actually is going through POSt, as you said. This makes it sound like a graphics card problem, I think. Do you have any spare cards which you could plug in instead of your current one, and see if it works then? One thing which can be replaced easily in a DELL PC is the graphics card, so its worth a try.

FYI CMOS stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. It is the technology used in the manufacture of the BIOS chip.

Before getting into heavy troubleshooting, check the easy stuff.

Monitor - either try another monitor or try your monitor on another computer.

Cable- LOOK closely at the pins in the connectors on both ends of the cable. look for bent or broken pins. while you are looking check the connectors on the computer and monitor also.

Another way to reset the CMOS is to remove the battery from the motherboard and wait several minutes. Be sure to look at the way the battery is installed before removing it.

Reseat all removable cards on your motherboard. (unplug them, clean the connections and replug them securely)

Reseat all cables - unplug and replug them being careful not to bend any pins.

Disconnect everything not needed to work, such as DVD drive, hard drive, all except one stick of ram, any extra boards. You will need the video card, monitor and a keyboard. Start the computer and see if you get anything. If this works, replace the components one at a time until you get the failure.

Monitors do not cause the BSOD. If it is hardware related That is usually caused either by the power supply or motherboard. But can also be caused by just about ant component such as a sound card, hard drive or DVD drive, RAM affecting the power.

ok, thanks guys, thats the best information I have gotten from anyone so far, even DELL themselves (imagine that huh?). When I get home tonight I will try your recommendations. First I will try the CMOS fix, I found the pins last night but I didn't mess with it because I didn't have the understanding then that you have given me now. If that doesn't work, I'll reseat all the cards as you suggest. Is there anything I shouldn't do or is there is anything I should be particularly careful to avoid? Should I have the PC's power turned off to reset the CMOS?

Yes, make sure the PC is powered down completely (ie. not plugged into the mains).

I must agree, there is a ton of expert advice being given and everything I was going to suggest has already been mentioned.

I have a quick question myself regarding DELL PCs, its not really worth making a new topic for, and as this thread is about a DELL PC, I figured I'd post it here. Does anyone know if DELL PSUs are compatible with non-DELL cases/motherboards? I'm building a new system, and trying to decide how much of my old one I can reuse.

I don't think I can answer your query Terminator, sorry, lol. I don't hardly know anything about my own PC.

I have tried all the suggestions, reseating the cards, resetting CMOS. All I've accomplished is now when I turn it on as well as getting the diagnostic lights to light up and stay lit, I also get a quick double beep from the PC. Any Ideas? I'm about to say *ban me* it and just let the PC sit there until I can raise enough money to take it to someone who knows what they are doing. It sucks though because I'm jonesing for my Fallout 3 fix, lol. I'm playing on my Xbox while I wait, but it's like playing half a game, know what I mean?

This page here is the advanced troubleshooting section of the service manual for your PC. It lists what all the different combinations of the four lights on the front of your PC mean, what different combinations of beeps mean, and also what different system messages mean (I think these messages appear on a little LCD screen on your motherboard, but I'm not sure).

There is obviously something wrong, as the diagnostic lights do not remain lit if the PC boots correctly, however having all four lights lit isn't one of the error codes listed. Similarly, the double beep indicates a problem, but all of the beep codes informing you of an error all include at least 4 beeps, usually more.

Try looking at the LCD screen on the motherboard, if you can locate it (and if there actually is one), and see if that tells you any of the system messages listed in the page I linked. That should help give you an idea of what the problem is.

If it doesn't show any of those messages, or you can't find it, then you're going to have to contact DELL customer support - send them an email, or ring them. Not only would I not put it past DELL to neglect to include all the possible error codes for your PC, but as it is likely a hardware problem (the majority of which is manufactured by DELL), they would be in the best position to advise you on what the problem could be.

The diagnostic lights do stay lit now, numbers 1,2 and 3. When I went to DELL's online troubleshooting with it, it told me to disconnect and reconnect the monitor and look for an error message. Yeah right, I can't get BIOS to display yet alone an error message, so needless to say, they weren't much help.

The double beep only started after I tried to reset the CMOS.

Also, there isn't any LCD on my mother board, I wish there was, I'd know what the problem was, lol.

I tried the recommended steps to reset the CMOS while the forum here was down, so I didn't get the reply whether the power should be on or off when I did it. First I tried it without any power at all, when that didn't work, I moved the pin connecter to the CMOS port (with the power off) then turned the PC on and let it run for a few seconds. Then I turned it off and put the connector back. I was sure to drain all power from the system before either switching it forward or back. This didn't help either.

Any ideas?

Lights 1, 2, and 3 just means an 'Other Error' has occurred. Helpful lol. Try checking the LCD display on the motherboard like I said, and if that doesn't work, contact DELL customer support. As in, actually ring them up and talk to one of their technicians, not just do the online troubleshooter stuff they have on their website (those are totally useless).

Theres a list of numbers/email addresses for contacting them here, in the owner's manual for your PC.

Thanks man. You have been very, very helpful. Tell you what, when I get my PC back up and running, I'll do a set of custom Combat Armor for you as a way of saying thanks since I can't give you kudos a second time, lol.

Thanks, but I don't play Oblivon/Fallout anymore, so I wouldn't be able to use it ayway

I'm just glad I could be of help

I've come to the conclusion, after trying every bit of advice I could get and trying Dell's advice (which was nothing more than useless, lol) that I'm going to have to break down and pay somebody to sort my computer out. Now I just need to find something I can sell to get the money, lol.

Just an update to keep you guys in the loop, it was my video card. I ended up have to buy a new one. I got a brand new GeForce GTX 260 SC PCIe for $190. Hopefully I'll be back into the wasteland within a few days. I am so excited... Hooray for me!!! LOL