Dell Inspiron Desktop computer stuck at boot screen

[EvilSteak]

I turn it on and the first boot screen comes up with the loading bar halfway full. It just stays there and doesn't move. What makes this especially tricky is I can't get to the BIOS or safe mode or anything like that. So really my only options are to work with the hardware. I tried resetting the CMOS, unplugging everything and plugging it back in, and restarting the computer (of course). I don't really know what else to do. I am not sure exactly what type of computer I have, and I would look into it but I don't have the documentation it came with and I obviously can't figure it out on the computer so I just don't know for right now. Please help, this is very frustrating and I don't know what else I can do. Posted here because something I read online suggested it might be a bad motherboard but I'm not sure.

 

[Orgie]

Try unplugging the hard drive, then try turning it on and see if it completes the bar.

if same results, start doing the same thing disconnect any graphics card you may have connected (use onboard graphics after)
PCI cards you may have connected.

if it continues depending on how many memory sticks you have try testing it with one at a time.

after all these steps if you get no results you could be looking a a bad motherboard.


If you need any information on the system go to www.dell.com/support , enter your service tag or express service code of the system and you should be able to view any manuals or warranty information regarding your system.

 

[EvilSteak]

Try unplugging the hard drive, then try turning it on and see if it completes the bar.

if same results, start doing the same thing disconnect any graphics card you may have connected (use onboard graphics after)
PCI cards you may have connected.

if it continues depending on how many memory sticks you have try testing it with one at a time.

after all these steps if you get no results you could be looking a a bad motherboard.


If you need any information on the system go to www.dell.com/support , enter your service tag or express service code of the system and you should be able to view any manuals or warranty information regarding your system.

I tried all of that, but no luck :/ What's frustrating to me is that before all I had to do to fix it was reseat the CMOS and it worked again but I tried it several more times and it is no longer working. The problem just comes and goes as it pleases and I am powerless. It looks like it's about $50+ for a new motherboard, is there anything else I can try before I blow $60 on a new motherboard? This is very frustrating to me. Anyway thanks for your help

 

[Orgie]

At this point i would say yes, if you reseat the CMOS and you get it to work i would say try updating the bios and see if you can snap it out of the state its in but if that doesnt do the trick you are pretty much at the end of your troubleshooting steps.

 

[saywhut]

Make sure all USB devices are unplugged because this can also cause a no POST behavior (particularly storage drives). Try to limit it to a mouse and keyboard at first to see if it makes a difference. You could even try it without any USB devices plugged in.

If not, then it could be like Orgie said, a failing motherboard.