Blue Screen everytime I turn on my computer

[Deborah]

Everytime I turn on my computer for about a minute or two it shows the blue
screen with the word "DELL" on it, then windows will start
normally.(Sometimes I have to click my mouse or hit a key on the keyboard to
encourage it to start up). I was told that the blue screen normally only
shows when there has been a "fatal error" and that is the way the computer
recovers itself.
This started about 5 months ago when lightning knocked the dsl modem out and
the network adapter card out on my computer. I got a new modem from my ISP
and I purchased a network card.
I am just wondering would a window register cleaner or a defrager help. I am
not computer savy but I know enough to get by. But when it comes to the
register and things like that I am in the dark. So when you answer put it in
laymen terms or spell it out please.
I have a Dell Dimension 4100 that is running Windows XP Home Edition. It has
Intel Celeron processor with 996 MHz, 512 MB of RAM. I ISP is broadband
through my telephone company.
My computer seems to be slowing down some now. Are there any good Register
Cleaners available for free? Or Disk Defragers?

 

[JS]

I have the exact same model as you do, Windows XP PRO however.
There should be a BIOS setting to remove/hide the Dell Logo when you boot
your PC.

There are also options to Fast boot or run a full (slow boot) BIOS/PC test
during the initial boot process. I would need to shutdown the PC to get the
exact BIOS version (which may or may not be the same) and info on BIOS
settings.

Do not use a registry cleaner, it could cause more problems than it fixes.
Use Windows XP built in defragmenter to defrag your drive.

Will see what else I can did up.

JS

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

That does NOT sound like the much-feared BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), since
Windows does start.

Running Disk Cleanup and then a Defrag session may help somewhat.

Think your Registry needs "cleaning" or "repairing"? Read
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099 and draw your own conclusions.

 

[Deborah]

What is a BIOS and where do I find it? I have had a computer(s) for about 15
years but I still stay away from the register and safe mode because I think
it is over my head. I might mess something up big time.
Thank you for the info on the registry cleaner. I do use or have used mine
on occasion. I clean the cache regularly.

 

[JS]

I take that back, my Dell has a Pentium III @ 933Mhz but it's still a Dell
4100.
Some basic info on what BIOS mean:
http://www.bioscentral.com/
On the left of this page you will see a link to: Dell BIOS Post Codes:
http://www.bioscentral.com/postcodes/dellbios.htm

Now as to your problem.
When you first turn on the PC, press the Delete (Del key) about twice a
second until the BIOS screen is displayed.
Use you right arrow key to highlight the BOOT tab.
(You use the Left/Right & Up/Down arrow keys to navigate to the various BIOS
options)
You should see a "Quiet Boot" option:
If it is set to "Enabled" then you will see that Dell Logo when your PC
boots up.
If it is set to "Disabled" then you will no longer see the Dell Logo when
your PC boots up.

There is also a "Quick Boot" option:
Set this to: "Disabled" to display any error messages, be alert as any
errors will only be display for a very short period of time.

To save the BIOS changes navigate to the "Exit" tab and select the 'Save
changes and exit' option.
The PC should now continue the boot process, watch the display and see if
there are any error messages.

Note: The Power/lightning strike probably also messed up your BIOS from what
was the correct configuration for your PC to one that is not optimal.

Try making the BIOS changes I mentioned and let me know if you still have a
problem.

JS

 

[Deborah]

I did the changes and it got rid of the blue screen. A black screen with
white letters with Dells logo in the corner is all that comes up and it is
only up for a second or two then it goes right into loadiing Windows. I guess
the black screen would show you any errors. Like one time I did not have my
keyboard hooked up and it had "Keyboard problem".
Thanks a million for your help and your good explanation as to how to fix
the problem.

 

[JS]

You're welcome.

JS
www.pagestart.com

I did the changes and it got rid of the blue screen. A black screen with
white letters with Dells logo in the corner is all that comes up and it is
only up for a second or two then it goes right into loadiing Windows. I
guess
the black screen would show you any errors. Like one time I did not have
my
keyboard hooked up and it had "Keyboard problem".
Thanks a million for your help and your good explanation as to how to fix
the problem.