Comp will shut down with no warning and not turn back on

There are two reason for this error message
1 Hardware failure
2 Software failure(OS)

To eliminate hardware failure run the hardware diagnostics on the computer.. Use the link

http://findtechhelp12.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-run-dell-diagnostics.html

If all the hardware is working well then the issue is with the OS - reinstall it

http://findtechhelp12.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-reinstall-os-in-dell-computer.html

This is the system error and it comes when the user doesnot shut the comp in proper way.//
it can also come if due to some reason the comp is shut automatically//
to get rid of it try last known good configuration.
shut down the comp// restart and immed start hitting f 8 cont to get the advance boot menu//
select LKGC and once that is done hopefully your computer will boot perfectly//

jason,
When a device is installed, Windows 'Breaks it's neck', to find a compatible driver, (Or drivers)

If THE driver is not present, then Windows will match up one of it's thousands, of generic drivers it has on hand.

Then if THE driver is installed, there is a driver conflict.

{Crude illustration}
Windows: 'Which drivers do I use? These or THESE?'

Let's try this;

{Based on Windows XP operating system}
1) Left-click on,
Start>
Control Panel>
Add/Remove Programs

When Add/Programs populates REMOVE the graphics cards software.
ALL of it. Anything you see associated with that graphics card.

Close all windows, go back to your desktop screen.
(If you are asked in Add/Remove Programs, if you wish to restart your computer - NO)

Shut your computer down normally.
(Start>Turn Off Computer>Shut Down)

Unplug your computer from power. Open the computer case, TOUCH the metal frame to relieve your body of Static electricity.
(Static will fry out your computer hardware components)

Remove the graphics card.

Press the Power On button in, and hold it in for a count of Five seconds. (And I mean Five. Count - 1001..1002..1003..1004..1005)

Let go of the Power On button.
Do this same procedure Two more times. (Imperative!)

What you are doing is clearing CMOS Error Codes, and resetting your BIOS Setup back to the factory default settings.

Now plug your monitor into the VGA port on the motherboard.
Plug your computer back into power.
WAIT 1 minute.
Turn your computer on.

When Windows has loaded all the way, put the CD disk for your graphics card in your optical drive tray. Load the software.

When you are finished, close all windows, go back to your desktop screen.
Shut your computer down normally.

Unplug your computer from power. TOUCH the metal frame. Install your graphics card.
Plug your monitor into the graphics card.
Close your computer case.

Plug your computer into power. WAIT 1 minute.
Turn your computer on.

If the resolution isn't correct:

Right-click anywhere on an empty spot of your desktop screen.
In the drop down menu, Left-click on Properties.
Now left-click on the Settings tab, all the way to the right.

Look down at where it states - Screen resolution, in blue.
(Halfway down the Display Properties window)

Is the pixel resolution what it should be?
If not, Left-click on the slider.

Hold your left mouse button down, and slide the slider, to where the resolution settings are correct for your Dell LCD monitor.
(To the left is Less. To the right is More)

Now go down to the right, and click on Apply.
Then go over to the left, and click on OK.

Don't know what the native resolution, for that Dell LCD Thin Film Transistor monitor should be?

Look it up on the internet using the Model Number, or give me the Model Number, and I'll look it up for you.

Press F8 as the computer boots up and the Windows Advance Options Menu will be displayed. Then select Safe Mode to boot up the computer.
When Windows finishes booting up, then open Control Panel - select Display - Settings, then change the screen resolution to a lower setting.
Apply and shut down and reboot computer.

There is a program that is failing to shut down in general, which is delaying the computers ability to shut down.
The next time you shut down, make sure you have no programs open. Then, while attempting to shut down, wait until Windows pops up window asking you to close a non-responsive program. When it does, take note of the program that it mentions, then close it and see if Windows shuts down. Note: sometimes this takes a really long time.
Try re-installing the non-responsive program and see if your computer can shut down normally again.

As far as opening the Philips Device Manager - if it won't pop up automatically, then on a computer running Windows XP, you can go to Start (on your desktop) --> All Programs --> Philips --> Philips Device Manager to open the program.

This is hopefully a possible fix. I have encountered a similar problem with windows xp and vista. the fix I found that will eliviate this problem and a startup-reboot-startup-reboot... If you have your original windows (xp or vista) CD lounch it like you would do to do a system install. As the installation starts it will show ask you if you would like to do a recovery using the recovery console, just press ESC and go on. Press the F8 to accept the license. If Windows is not completly broke, it will find the original installation on your hard drie. It will ask if you want to repair. Press the R key and windows will reinstall your operating system, without destroying your software or data. After it is done the system will go to the windows startup screen. You will need your windows product key located on your machine or on the original software packaging.
I hope this will fix your problem.

several things it could be but im going to look at the obvious the battery and cord hook up
laptops when plugged into contstant 120 power the battery is supposed to go into stand by mode and shut battery off so power dont leak into battery
if you have low battery with it plugged into 120 the comp will still think the battery is powering the laptop if battery dead then comp shuts down lack of power

other thing is somehow you caught a virus that reboots comp from dos screen mode
the main thing i always ask is what was the last thing that happened before it did what its doing now
example= was there a power surge pop up screens ect.

your files might have been corrupted i know the end close screen file sometimes and will get corrupted quicker than startup screen
now the question is was this the floor model or a straight out of the box unopened comp cause floor models always needs to be reformated those are the show comps. people play with those all day once you reform. comp. and put in new O.s. system everything should come back to working perfectly and dont forget spyware checkers and virus blockers name branded backed up these will help protect your comp

simple other solution might be you just need to upgrade your system files threw windows update