Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Boot Problem with XPS

by Nov 4, 2011 2:01PM PDT

I have an original model of the Dell XPS laptop (circa 2004), and running XP Pro. When I press the "on" switch, it will turn on but not boot. I have run it through the diagnostic tests, and it passed all tests. I have also tried to boot it from the disk, but no luck. Does anyone have an answer to what the problem could be? I doubt that it is a virus, as I run virus scans every day with AVG, and they have all come back clean. I had one friend tell me that it could be a problem with the on/off switch, and another tell me that it could be the mother board. I really cannot afford to take it in to a shop, as I am retired and living on a very tight fixed income budget. I would appreciate any answers that may be out there. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

Lynn Polyak has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
2 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Since diagnostics pass.
by Forum moderator Nov 4, 2011 3:27PM PDT

That means the HDD and all is likely ok. But any error on any XP Operating System file and it will not boot. You may want to reload the Operating System then restore your files from your backups.
Bob

- Collapse -
Boot Problem with XPS
by Lynn Polyak Nov 7, 2011 12:16PM PST

Yes, this reply was very helpful. In fact, it solved the problem. I never would have guessed that it was a software problem. Thanks so very much. Now all I have to do is fix it, and it is in the process of being fixed now.

Back to Dell forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info