Calling any PC experts, if they have a moment.
I have a Dell Dimension 8200 (5 years old?)as a second computer. Months ago I took off almost all software except XP and MS Works, waiting to have a use for the machine. I turn it on every month or so, and just make sure it still runs. Just tried turning it on many times and I can't get to the logon screen.
The machine turns on, the Dell setup screen shows, then the XP bootscreen runs, then the screen goes black and there is a "click" (as usual)from the monitor, the cursor appears, then......nothing. I can move the mouse around, click all around, but nothing happens. Tried "control-alt-delete" many times...nothing. When clicking the mouse around on the black screen I have a couple times heard a very faint "beep" noise , then the cursor freezes in place, and I can not do anything further. In all cases the only thing I am able to do is pull the plug and start over.
I am able to bring up F2 setup and F12 boot from the Dell setup, but do not have any idea what to try from there. I'm not sure, but I don't think this machine has LogonXP installed.
Any one have an idea I can try ??! Thanks in advance!