Topic: Vexed by a Dell

[KBF-Kapact]

folks, I found (yep... found) a Dell desktop discarded next to a dumpster. Thought, okay, worth a look. (If for no other reason than my computer is from New Zealand and needs 230 power. Which means doing without AC). So I start it up, and see access to desktop needs a password I obviously don't have. (and don't really want) I'm planning to just reinstall windows and see what my free comp comes with. So I go to reinstall windows, and the computer won't run the install disc. Okay. So I put my current harddrive in the Dell, take out the harddrive it came with, but I'm still getting this logon screen. Without the dude's harddrive. Okay. So I plug his harddrive into my comp, figuring that maybe there was some memory built up somewhere else (though that doesn't make any sense to me) in the Dell. But I still can't get the install program to run. All I'm trying to do is wipe the old harddrive clean, and plug my stuff  into the Dell computer that has a faster processor and runs on the power I got coming out of the wall. Any ideas as to what my problem is LOL with this Dell and what I can do about it?

I'd appreciate any help

Kapact

[knightstorm]

Maybe that's the reason the previous owner junked it?  Seriously that does sound kind of odd.

[KBF-Kapact]

I'm thinking that..... just thought I'd have a whack at it, and look for a bit of help....


Kapact

[knightstorm]

Have you thought about connecting it to your computer through an external enclosure, and wiping it that way?

[The_Joker]

I'm guessing there might be a password on the BIOS?  Try taking the battery out to clear the BIOS memory.

[KBF-Kapact]

Have you thought about connecting it to your computer through an external enclosure, and wiping it that way?

Thanks for answering. Sorry..... connecting the harddrive? And could you explain 'external enclosure'? I'm good at software, not so good at hardware....

Kapact

[knightstorm]

Have you thought about connecting it to your computer through an external enclosure, and wiping it that way?

Sorry..... connecting the harddrive? And could you explain 'external enclosure'? I'm good at software, not so good at hardware....

Kapact

Basically, its an adapter that lets you plug the harddrive into your USB, and run it as an external harddrive.

[KBF-Kapact]

Have you thought about connecting it to your computer through an external enclosure, and wiping it that way?

Sorry..... connecting the harddrive? And could you explain 'external enclosure'? I'm good at software, not so good at hardware....

Kapact

Basically, its an adapter that lets you plug the harddrive into your USB, and run it as an external harddrive.

Ahhhhhhhhhh............ thanks. I'm actually trying to do this without buying anything (we're getting ready to pay uncle sam for my wife's green card). I'll keep that in mind though. Thanks.


Kapact

[KBF-Kapact]

I'm guessing there might be a password on the BIOS?  Try taking the battery out to clear the BIOS memory.

This might sound dumb, but the battery you refer to is a big watch battery looking thing I see on the motherboard? Just pop it out, wait a sec, and pop it back in?


Thanks

Kapact

[knightstorm]

Have you thought of going to the Dell website, and possibly downloading a manual for it?

[KBF-Kapact]

Have you thought of going to the Dell website, and possibly downloading a manual for it?

I thought about it.... but thought I'd ask around here first. If I can't work it out easily tomorrow (my 'sunday'), I'll go that route....


Kapact

[Nemesis]

I'm guessing there might be a password on the BIOS?  Try taking the battery out to clear the BIOS memory.

This might sound dumb, but the battery you refer to is a big watch battery looking thing I see on the motherboard? Just pop it out, wait a sec, and pop it back in?


Thanks

Kapact

Thats it. Some systems also require you to "short" a pair of jumpers by the battery.  You need to check the manual to see if that is the case for this system and which jumpers.

[Dracho]

What nemesis said.. there is usually a jumper on the board to clear the contents of the Bios and reset it to factory default.

[kbf-jd]

What nemesis said.. there is usually a jumper on the board to clear the contents of the Bios and reset it to factory default.

note on some dells, it's just a soder point.   You have to use a screwdeiver(flat head) or something similar to make the connection after removing the battery...

[Nemesis]

note on some dells, it's just a soder point.   You have to use a screwdeiver(flat head) or something similar to make the connection after removing the battery...

I'll have to keep in mind.  As we shut down a bunch of computers were scrapped and I salvaged 2 Dells from the garbage.  I'll be working on them this weekend to find out if they are functional or not and to what degree.

[Javora]

What nemesis said.. there is usually a jumper on the board to clear the contents of the Bios and reset it to factory default.

Since we are talking about Dell.  IIRC it maybe possible to just disconnect the power from the wall outlet along with removing the battery then press and hold the power button for approximately 7~10 seconds.  Regardless I'd do that first before poking around inside the box with a metal object.

[Dracho]

I'd look at the dell tag on it, then do a google on "how to reset Dell [modelxxx] bios

[KBF-Kapact]

Hey thanks all.... I pulled the battery then replaced it. Powered up, obviously had to reset the system clock, and was told battery voltage was dangerouosly low. I'll do a google search for the exact solution as Dracho said. Again, thanks everyone. I always know I can find a few answers here...... 


Kapact

[Centurus]

If all else fails, here's a sure fire remedy for all Dell machines.  Also works for most name brand models as well.

Back up all personal data.  Shut down computer.  Take sledge hammer and destroy computer.  Build new computer. 

[Nemesis]

I'll have to keep in mind.  As we shut down a bunch of computers were scrapped and I salvaged 2 Dells from the garbage.  I'll be working on them this weekend to find out if they are functional or not and to what degree.

I've worked on the first Dell that I salvaged (Optiplex GX270 P4 2.8ghz with 512mb RAM and a 40GB hard disk) to replace my mothers failed machine.  It seems to be working alright,   A small step up from the Athlon XP 2100+ with Windows 98SE my mother has had for quite some time.

I've reinstalled the Windows XP Pro  that came with it and E-Mailed my niece to see if she wants Windows or Linux on it (as she uses it most).  I'll be adding a 2nd HD I think (a spare 80gb I have laying around) and can set it to dual boot for her if she wants to continue using Linux as she has been since I left my laptop at my mothers for her to use.  I'll be checking to see if there is any way I can raise the amount of RAM as 512mb is a little limiting these days.  The next step is to re partition the HD as it is currently just one big C: which I don't like.  After that its just configuring things on the software side.

The other Dell should be identical, except I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with it yet or with the Athlon if I can resurrect it.