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

Question

Problem with booting up Dell Dimension E510 -

Nov 26, 2012 2:10AM PST

At start-up the Dell screen flashes up, the scale bar fills through, then the screen goes black.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what causes this and how to fix?

Thanks very much

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Sure but it's unpopular.
Nov 26, 2012 2:12AM PST

We can reinstall the OS, wiping out all files and any damage to the system.

Did you try the usual boot to SAFE MODE?
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
No Boot
Nov 26, 2012 3:34PM PST

Hi,

Lets check the hard drive functionality. To access Dell Diagnostics, follow these steps:
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press 2-3 times.
3. When the 'One Time Boot Menu' appears, highlight 'Boot to Utility Partition' and press.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics main menu appears, select Express test and share the results.
5. If the diagnostics complete without errors, reboot PC.

Check if the hard drive is detected in BIOS. To access BIOS, press F2 key at Dell Splash screen. Use the down arrow key to highlight Drives and press Enter. Highlight Drive 0: SATA-0 and check Drive details as shown in the image.
Try to boot the system to Safe Mode.

Hope this helps.
Please revert for any clarification.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

- Collapse -
Answer
ATI Catalyst
Apr 4, 2014 10:36AM PDT

I know this is old - but maybe if someone else searches for this issue this will help.

I had the same problem updating an E510, but it is running 8.1 Pro. I upgraded RAM from 1GB to 4GB and then updated drivers from Dell. The updates added ATI Catalyst Manager. After that I got the same start up issues you had. I uninstalled ATI and everything is back to normal now.