Is it dead?

[IainG]

Hi, I'm new here so my apologies if my approach or words seem naive or amateurish. I've had what I suspect is a terminal disaster. My PC is a Dell Dimension about 4 years old, running Windows XP.

Yesterday there was a local power cut while I was using it. (NB: I have no power protection devices.) I turned everything off and only turned it back on after the power was restored. Unfortunately now when I turn on, while the screen displays the usual Dell stuff to start with including "F2 Start up" and "F12 Safety start", it then goes blank with a white cursor dot flashing in the top left. If I manage to catch and press the F2 or F12 buttons in time I get a black/white Dell BIOS system display and "keyboard failure" at the end.

I have tried putting the Dell supplied restore cd discs in before and after I turn it on and I've tried every combination of 'F' and 'ctrl+alt+del' keys I can think of.

Has it passed on, crossed over, deceased, died, or suffered some form of terminal trauma? Or is there any miracle someone can provide to bring it back from the dead?

Please...

Iain

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Iain, welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help. Indeed this doesn't sound good, however,can you please list everything you see on that BIOS type page. Do you see anything at all that says "Last known good configuration" or similar? if so use the up/down keys to get to that, then press the enter key.

[IainG]

Hi Nev.

There is no "last known good configuration" comment. The screen simply displays specifications e.g. Dell Bios by Planet....

Also the keyboard isn't operating so any attempt to scroll or enter anything doesn't work.

I suspect you are right this "doesn't sound good". This support forum is my last hope before I set out on the 'enjoyable' task of buying a replacement.

Iain

[IainG]

Sorry should have thanked you for your help first.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Is this a USB keyboard or a wireless keyboard?

[IainG]

Hi Wolfey,

Thanks for trying to help.

It is neither wireless nor USB it is the one supplied with the PC with a round multi-pin connector.

Iain

[Guest Wolfeymole]

A keyboard failure error on a PS2 connector is indeed strange, have you tried another PS2 keyboard?

[IainG]

Hi again

I've now tried another keyboard unfortunately with the same result.

I have tried turning on without the keyboard connected which gives me the same message as above ".... keyboard failure". I've also noticed that pressing the F2 Set up when the screen prompts results in 'entering set up' but then nothing but the blank screen with the white cursor flashing in the top left.

This is seriously terminal isn't it?

Iain

[IainG]

Hi again Nev,

If it helps the screen reads:

Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A01

Copyright 1985-1988 Phoenix Technologies Ltd

Copyright 1990-2004 Dell Inc.

 

Dell System Dimension 8400 Series

BIOS version A01

Dell Österreich - Startseite - Computer, Computerausrüstung, Elektronik und Service.

 

Keyboard failure

 

This is the exact message if it throws any light.

Iain

[Match]

Hi IainG

 

Just wondering if your PS2 Socket has a fault? have you tried a USB Keyboard, I know you say you've tried a different Keyboard but you didn't say what type.

[Dalo Harkin]

I agree with Match - surges in power can take any part of the MOBO out, try a USB keyboard and see if it works - failing that you MOBO may be damaged

[IainG]

Thank you all for your help. This is a truely marvellous service. The bad news is that I've tried a USB keyboard - no joy I'm afraid. The good news is that my insurers have accepted a claim and will contribute towards a replacement pc.

Thanks again for your help.

Iain

[Match]

Hi IainG

 

I take it from your last post you are now looking at a replacement PC.

 

Just a thought that if your insurance company don't want your old PC and tell you to dispose of it as you see Fit parts of it might be salvageable for use in another PC, i.e. Hard drives and RAM, if you have any queries about what's usable just ask, but alot will depend on the specification of the new machine.

[IainG]

Hi

Match - thanks for the tip. It maybe very useful if I could salvage information from the hard drive - especially my Outlook address book but I am a complete novice when it comes to opening up the 'box'. Unless you guys think it is straight forward I suppose my best bet is to take it to a local computer shop?

Iain

[Match]

well as I say it all depends on the specification of your new machine and if your bothered about the warranty, but surprisingly enough the fitting and installing is a straight forward plug in, its just the compatibility issue. and to be honest if you get a new machine they are quite often designed to run older specification components.

 

and as for the computer shop if you have a reputable one close buy and don't want the hassle, or the bother of installing the components then that is your choice, but if you do, or have any problems what so ever then we will do our best to help :)