Dell Dimension 8400s desktop. Computer boots showing windows XP logo and goe sto next step to show logon box, but it doesn't. Just shows a blue background and ability to move and see mouse. No icons,task bar or error messages show. I reinstalled windows and went through the whole process and still the above happens. Already switched mem sticks and switched slots. changed mouse and keyboard. Unplugged and replugged hard drive...

If you hit <F12> key upon boot-up and the monitor displays a boot menu, then you probably have an issue with your XP software. Meaning that you may have to re-install XP (by the way, XP is no longer supported).

YOU CAN GO TO DELL HELP.COM

You go into Boot Menu, and set the - first boot device to CDROM.
The computer will then read what is in the optical drive, first.

Computer off, press the Power On button. Watch closely for the blue dell logo.
Looking at the bottom of the monitor screen when the blue Dell logo comes up, you will see - F2 = Setup.
At the top right of the screen you will see F12 = Boot Menu.

This screen goes by F-A-S-T!
As SOON as you see the blue Dell logo press the F12 key.

If you miss this small window of opportunity, just wait for Windows to fully load, then click on Start, Turn Off Computer, and Restart.

If Windows is not loading, then press the CTRL, ALT, and DELete keys at the SAME TIME. (Not shouting)
This will restart your computer so you can try again.

Upon entering Boot Menu you cannot use your mouse anymore, you have to use the keyboard.

The Boot Device Menu has the devices listed, and each device has a number next to it.

At the bottom of the menu, type the number that is next to CDROM, then press the Enter key.

This is Dell Support, and the main page for the Dell Dimension 4700 Service Manual,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/index.htm

Left-click on - Entering System Setup

Should you have any questions concerning this, simply state so in a Comment.

Possibly it is a video driver problem. Try entering boot menu by pressing the F8 key at startup, and first of all try with "Boot in last known working configuration". If it doesn't solve the problem, retry booting in safe mode and change the video resolution to 640x480 VGA. This will look horrible, but if it lets you reboot and login as Administrator in normal mode, you will be able to reinstall the video drivers from Dell (either the CD-ROM or the web site). At that point you will be able to raise the resolution again.

If it still doesn't work you might need a recovery install of XP, which sometimes messes with some programs' configuration.

From your description, you were able to boot the machine properly in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, change the video resolution to the lowest possible (color depth does not matter at this point). You should also check that you are configured for single monitor operation if your video card supports multiple monitors. Reboot the machine normally. If all goes well, you can readjust your video settings for a higher resolution again.

Hi,
Go in bios and change the SATA mode to IDE or compaitibilty then check whether it is working or not

If tried the monitor on two other computers with the same result -- definitly your monitor is faulty. Take it to the repair shop. To make double sure, run your computer with another monitor. If everything is fine now; you can blame the monitor.

try to boot in the safe mode and tell me what happens

Hi,
To resolve the problem,do the following step,
1. Power on the system
2. At dell logo screen before windows xp starts to load tap on the F8 key slowly 5 to 8 times
3. Select safe mode
4 Hit enter on the next screen and logon using the administrator or your name
5. Do the system restore, when you have logged on, this would return your system back to the date when it was working fine
6. To system restore
click start>all programs>accessories>system tools >system restore



Thanks
proton

If you mean you need to install windows, you need to set your cdrom drive as first boot device in advanced bios settings or it will try to boot into a non-existent windows. Make sure your hdd is showing as the master drive, save settings and exit bios. Re-boot pc with windows disc in cd drive and hit enter when prompted to boot from cd.