For system specific info, logon to support.dell.com and click "Drivers and Downloads". On the next screen, enter your system's Service Tag number. Once done, click on "Manual" and then check the part...

...to be precise, you need to short the green and any one black wire in the PSU to test it

That's exactly what I meant. Since you say you added more memory to it, I'd say either that or one of the older ones have become dislodged. Try resetting all the memory cards and see if this fixes...

3 4 generally denotes a failure of the memory subsystem. Try opening the cover and reseat the memory modules, cleaning them if there's any dirt. If this doesn't help, get back and we'll get this...

Yup. That too. Best option in such a case would be to reset the BIOS to the defaults.

I would say that this seems to be defective RAM. See if you can test the RAM sticks on another computer. If the other computer starts up normally, see if the processor is seated properly and that...

what was the problem?

If the board is not beeping, even after removing the RAM sticks, it's possible the board is fried. However, try resetting the CMOS by removint the battery for upto 3 hours...

And, if possible, upgrade your OS. ME is quite an outdated OS. Besides, MS has stopped supporting Win 98 and ME.

Actually, Ive had this problem happen to a friend's computer. Turned out his HD was kaput. You could try removing all non-essential devices and see if the system powers up. If it does, re-connect all...

Did you try Dell Tech Support? Pretty sure they ought to be able to help you.

Otherwise, try removing the RAM sticks and then try powering the system. Does it beep at all? Also, when you switch...

I'm not too sure about that. Since the computer specifically says Disk error, I'm inclined to believe the disk has gone bad. However, there is a possibility that the disk itself is fine, but the...

That's the Power Supply Unit. The little box to which you connect the power cable.

Try resetting the CMOS by removing the battery for 10 minutes. See if this helps.

If the BIOS flash procedure does not help, I would suggest you take the board to where you bought it from and ask them for a replacement. It seems to me the board is to blame here.

Seems like your hard disk drive has gone bad. You'll need to get the HD replaced. Hope you backed up your data.

Did you check if the board and/or the CPU were overheating? Go to the BIOS and search for something like PC Health. Under this, check your CPU temperatures and post them here.

Actually, it's probable that the voltage surge fried your SMPS/motherboard. You could check the SMPS and the board on another machine to see if they're working.

Run a system scan for viruses/spyware. Once your system's clean, I suggest you run Windows setup and choose the upgrade option. This way, you'll restore any corrupt/missing files, and get your...

Hope you had backups. (note to self: create backups)

Did you try a clean install of Windows after you flashed the BIOS? Sometimes, flashing adds some features and Windows detects it as a new board. This causes it to go nuts. (not a very technical...

Did you try searching the Dell support site for this problem?

Check the RAM, CPU installation, PSu...the lot.

Yeah. I just advised what I advised as a blind shot...

Primary Hard Drive: None? Yowsa. Bad sign. Seems like your hard disk has crashed. You'll need to take the lappy to Dell and get a replacement drive.

ummmm...I believe she wants to restore her PC..as in OS reinstall (Compaq provides a disc, called the Restore Disc), and not as in System Restore

Josey, you need to boot off of the Quick Restore...

Although before you do, test another processor on your board and test your processor on another board. That way, you can isolate which component is defective.

I suspect your motherboard is defective. If it's still under warranty, try to get an RMA on it. If not, consider getting a new one.

Well, if it had been a problem like a corrupt BIOS, flashing it would have solved it. However, let's try the hard disk thingie again. Can you check if the computer runs fine without the hard disk?

Okay. Try a different hard drive and see if the problem recurs. If not, reconnect all components except the suspect hard disk and try running the computer.

Also, try the suspect hard drive on...

Allright, first off, striop the machine down to the basics: CPU, MoBO, graphics card (only if you dont have one onboard) and a single RAM stick. Power it up and see. Does it still hang?

If it...

Well, asus makes very good mobos. Guess your luck was bad. You could go for MSI, Soltek, Gigabyte, to name a few. I'm using MSI at the moment and have absolutely no prbs with it. I've also assembled...

Well, asus makes very good mobos. Guess your luck was bad. You could go for MSI, Soltek, Gigabyte, to name a few.

it can be. lets go one step a time.

Well, if heating's not the problem, try getting another set of RAM sticks. Also, try clearing the CMOS by removing the battery and/or shorting the CMOS clear jumpers.

It's possible some part of the PSU could have become dislodged when you moved the CPU

is that a 230 Volt PSU or 230 Watt PSU? If it's 230 Volts, make sure your wall outlet gives 230 Volts, and not 110 Volts. See if the PSU allows you to change the input voltage.

If it's 230 Watts,...

Check them individually. Also ensure youve plugged them in tight, and that there's no dirt on the connectors.

The Prescott based processors are notorious for overheating. The symptoms you describe are also consistent with over heating. Make sure that all fans in your system are turning rapidly. Also, make...

You sure you plugged it in the CFAN connector on the mobo? If all connections are right, the mobo may be at fault. You could either replace it or use one of the molex connectors from the PSU to run...