System board failure?

My Dell (XP svc pk 2) suddenly came up with can't load kernel dlls. Can't restore, can't boot to safe, won't run repair, boot from CD and get the dll message.

Ran Dell diagnostic disk on memory, system board, said all is well.

Decided to just re-install. Hit F8 or F12, whatever it is (I've been at this 2 weeks and am totally dingy). Got to that. Asks for administrator's password, no problem, except the keyboard suddenly won't work. Moved it to various usb boards, nothing (took the keyboard from another computer in use, so keyboard is fine). Disconnected the keyboard, and that was acknowledged.

Does this sound like a bios error (whatever that is - have a vague idea) or a system board failure? Does it all sound hopeless?

Thanks.

 

You need to tell us the details of the computer.

Go to the Dell website.
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
You can put in the Service Tag number, which will take you to the specific downloads for your model. The Service Tag is on a label on the back or side of the computer. (Use Internet Explorer at the Dell website.)

Get the "system" manual/s or give us a link to the download page. There will be information about going into the BIOS and there should be instructions for reinstalling Windows.

Is it the point where you need to type in a password where it gets stuck? Is it just that you need to use the mouse to click inside the box to get the typing cursor?

Matt

 

Thanks Matt. I have the installation disk for the OS, xp, sp2. I have a Dell Dimension
5100. I also have all the drivers on disks.

The problem occurs when I'm asked for the password. Nothing is loading, just that can't
load kernel dlls. I can't get past the password because the keyboard won't work.

Also, I suspect that I was too dingy from fighting this computer for 2 weeks and may have put a W 98 installation disk in.

Do you think it might work if I install 98, get the keyboard working, and then install
XP?

I think the Dell is about 4 years old, so I'm surprised I'm having problems. This is our 4th Dell. We got our first one about 1990 and very few problems. This one has had problems.

But I will go and look at the bios downloads at Dell. Will that install without a keyboard?

 

I forgot to answer part of your post.

I can click the mouse to the password, but I can't type.

 

The manuals are here:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5100/en/index.htm
I needed to actually download the Owner's Manual, it would not open in the browser.

There are sections about troubleshooting keyboard problems in both manuals, one mentioned upgrading the BIOS, but my main aim was to for you to get the manuals and start checking their suggestions.

They have diagnostics on the CD and also on the hard drive, so try going into those and see if the keyboard works there.

Have you done the basic checks? Tried a different keyboard and connected to a different USB port? I suggest connecting to one of the ports at the back of the tower. It is a wired keyboard, not a wireless one, right? The BIOS won't be able to load the drivers for a wireless keyboard.

I see there are no PS/2 keyboard connectors, so the BIOS should load the USB keyboard automatically, BUT the BIOS could have a glitch and need to be reset. Go into the BIOS settings (see System Setup in the Service Manual). Look for a Defaults setting, it is usually pressing the F9 key or in the Exit menu (the manual doesn't describe it).

If you are still stuck use Clearing CMOS Settings in the Service Manual.

[I see there is a Passwords jumper (section Clearing Forgotten Passwords), I doubt that should help, but you could try it.]

Matt

 

If you are trying to do a clean install from the XP disc you don't get asked for a password, you need to boot the PC with the XP disc in the drive having set the CD drive to first position in the bios boot order. Unless there are other issues with the PC your keyboard should work once the installation starts.

As you probably know, a clean install will completely wipe off all data on the drive. If you want to save any of your data you can remove and connect your drive to another PC (internally) to save all your important files.

Just one other point, you are using SP2, you should upgrade to SP3 once installed as SP2 is no longer supported. There are guides available on line to slipstream SP3 with your OS disc as long as it is a genuine retail version.

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/Slipstreaming_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3.html

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Have you run the diagnostics on the hard drive?