The system is not completely dead if the lights come on. It sounds like you are getting some kind of a POST error. Try removing the memory and reseating. If you have more than one stick, try them one at a time. Remove the battery and the AC adapter and then press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. Then try starting with the battery removed (Laptop?) and only the AC adapter connected. Reply with the manufacturer and model number of your computer (laptop?) and I should be able to give a littler more information.

Hi BugZ It's Compaq Armada 7400 laptop.I've tried your suggestions and still no luck .I tried with the floppy and with the cd, with and without the hard drive.I appreciate your help and if you have any more ideas I'd like to here them . Thanks a lot Jim

It's possible the processor has worked loose from its connector and is making poor contact. I have seen this happen on several Gateway Solo 2500's with the MMC-1 processor. That might be worth a try on your laptop if you are up to disassembling it that far.

the processor is held in by 4 screws,Ialready swapped it but no luck