Help...computer disaster:(

Jeweliette

I have a Dell laptop running xp that has been perfect up until today. Today when I turned it on I could not see the screen as it's too dim but I can tell that it has not started on the normal bios screen. It looks as though two windows are open side by side and one has the tree view of C drive etc. It stays like that for around 4 seconds and then it starts making a beeping noise that sounds like a phone ring tone... not the usual beep beep beep noise hard disks can make...it's more like a musical jangle. It does that for a few seconds and then starts the hard disk beep beep beep noise.

I've tried turning it on and off but it does the same thing each time. I've also tried attaching it up to my tv so I could use it as an alternate monitor but the tv isn't registering it...I presume because it isn't booting into windows.

What could be wrong?
Is there anything I can do or should do?
I don't know a lot about computers but I know beeping isn't good.

EDIT : I managed to hook it up to another tv ...there's an error message saying the inverter is unreachable. Hopefully that's all that's wrong!

BopNiblets

Inverter unreachable?
An inverter changes AC current to DC current, have you got it plugged in? Maybe the inverter in your power cable is faulty.
Edit Wait never mind I got that backwards, inverter changes DC to AC... no idea...

Try run it off the battery and see if it boots.
If you can't see the BIOS screen that's a bit worrying.

Google gives these:
http://repair.laptopsinfo.net/How_to_replace_dell_laptop_inverter
Looks like your screen is faulty.

Adam

it's to do with the screen, basically it's not getting the right power supply, it's a replacement part you'll need. although with a newer dell you should be able to get a signal going to a tv/external monitor

Skerries

if it is under warranty then they will come and replace the inverter otherwise you will have to source one or bring it to a shop to be replaced

Jeweliette

Thanks everyone. I packed it off to the laptop doctor so hopefully if it's fitted with a new inverter it'll be back in action again.