Windows Vista forum: Dell Inspiron 531 will not boot

But seeing it only at the logo is a small clue. It could be as simple as some USB thing is plugged in, or some non-Dell keyboard, etc.

I've seen such failures for far too many reasons. Try the GENERIC RESET NEXT.

Remove AC, press and hold the power button for 60 seconds, release, apply AC and try again.

Please detail every aspect of the PC that is not "stock". And why the battery was replaced.
Bob

Tried the generic reset and it failed. Everything attached to the PC is stock, dell monitor and dell keyboard. No mouse connected. It will boot to the Dell logo and stops. Lights will not come on on keyboard. Keyboard and monitor both tested on another system. Both working normally. Can not access F2, F8, or F12. Bios not connecting to keyboard.

Battery was replaced because the time had to be set on each bootup.

My bet is that the battery is in upside down or the clip is not making contact. Many machines will halt like this when the battery is not connected. If this was my machine I would get a wooden spudger stick (yes that's a real thing see http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=10983 ) and press down on that clip then try it again.
Bob

I have a spudger stick. Have had the battery in and out many times times. It is seated firmly with the + side, with writing facing out. I believe the bios are blown or corrupt since the keyboard will not light up or the boot will not go beyond the Dell logo. If anyone has a solution or a better idea of what could be wrong please let me know. The PC will not boot with the battery removed either, if that helps.

Look for any card part way in, cables get a push and then we try the generic reset and hope. After that we swap boards and parts. There is no known repair center that will fix a board issue.

But after many members leaving USB things plugged in, we know to unplug all of them. EVEN THE KEYBOARD and try again.

I take it the machine is stock.
Bob

I have tried everything you mentioned. Nothing works. New mobo is $119.00 plus shipping. Not worth repairing. Looks like junk pile, and parts bin for this one.

Thanks for your help.

Bob