Lap boots up, shows dell logo then screen goes black but runs.

Hi Jim,

this seems like a no boot / no video kind off issue and mostly is coz of corruptions in softwares or drivers, try booting the computer in safe mode. if it does, then take a data backup. i would not recommend experimenting in this issue as it can crash the computer.
hence call 1-877-805-1027 for expert help.

You might like to Power it off completely by removing the Battery for a few seconds.
If that doesn't help, try booting from your Win7 Installation Disk.

Have you upgraded the OS? At boot start tapping the F-2 key, do not wait for the Dell screen. Take a look at this forum:http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-95/dell-s-bios-startup-screen/85976.html

only way to bypass this is use a recovery disk to boot from and then perhaps the issue will manifest itself

otherwise, it's the dreaded re format step

this is often related to a possible motherboard problem. Try these steps: turn it off, remove the battery, and AC adapter, then press and hold the power button for about 5 to 10 seconds. Once done, reconnect at least the adapter , turn on the laptop and as soon as the Dell logo shows up, tap F2 a few times to enter System Setup (BIOS screen). From there, go to the Maintenance category, and select Load Defaults, press Enter. Press ESC, then select Save/Exit, restart the computer and see how it goes.

Having same problem but less tech savvy than u. Any solution found?

Immediately after seeing the Dell logo, keep tapping the 'F8' key,
until you see a "menu" (white text over a black background)
giving "startup" options for Windows XP.

Select "Safe Mode" and see if you can start in that mode.
Then, use "System Restore" to go "back" in time, to the most-recent checkpoint (date/time) where your computer _DID_ work.

Restore to that point, and restart.

if u had a virus infection pobably some file on system32 has ben deleted so windows cant start up just show's the loading bar and thets it

If u have the Windows Cd
Boot from Cd
Repair the Windows
iff u dont
formate it

First, I want to know if you sees the Dell logo after turning on the laptop? If yes then this is no boot issue.
1. Immediately run the PSA. Make sure laptop is off. Press and hold down the Fn key, while holding down Fn key press the power button at the same time just once. Once the Dell screen loaded you can now let go of the Fn key. Check if the PSA will run short test for the LCD, RAM and HDD. When full color displays on the screen just press Y. PSA will continue. Just take note of any error code will appear on the screen such as 0141, 0142 and 0146 these are HDD failure errors which means HDD needs replacement. If the test says no errors found then proceed to step 2;
2. Try restarting the laptop once you see dell logo then keep tapping F8. Select last known good configuration. Press enter key. Just wait and check if laptop will load Windows. If not then, restart laptop keep tapping F8 try to select safe mode check if it will load Windows. If not then prepare the Windows OS disc the one came with your laptop.
3. While laptop is on insert the Windows OS disc. Restart the computer. On the Dell screen keep tapping on F12 to show boot menu. In the boot menu select CD/DVD ROM Drive. Press enter then keep tapping on space bar until it will say Windows loading files, please wait.
4. In the User Interface it will show you some options to select. Once the Install screen comes up look on the lower part select Repair Your Computer. If will ask you to do Startup Repair, please do start up repair. If fails try the System Restore. If fails then step 5;
5. If you have important files in your HDD then back up your files first. After backing up of files you can now install the Windows OS. Here is the process in installing the Windows OS. Insert the Windows OS disc, restart the laptop, keep tapping F12 on Dell screen, on boot menu select CD/DVD ROM Drive.Install the Windows OS. Just complete the installation.After the installation install the laptop drivers.

its sounds either your windows has been currepted or you have some missing driver/software wich cause re-start.

• Try to boot in safe mode.
• Start pressing F8 after making on your lap til the boot option menu appears.
• Select Safe Mode and press enter.
• If your lap boots well then, goto Start -> Run and type msconfig in the commad box and press enter key.
• In System Configuration Utility click on Services tab and click Hide All Microsoft Services after that click on disable all. Then press Ok and reboot your lap normally. After do same as above and enable one by one service to get which cause problem.

If it even does not boot in safe mode, then i think you should re-install windows.

Thanks & good luck
Iqbal