Windows 7 upgrade, black screen

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  1. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #21

    Nathc said:
    Thanks again. One last thing (I hope), how do I allow it to boot from the dvd if I can't change the boot order. Remember, all I see is a black screen. For others reading this thread, only buy a legitimate copy of anything. I have learned the hard way!
    Why can't you change the boot order if needed?

    You change the boot order by entering the BIOS. It has nothing to do with Windows.

    You enter the BIOS by holding down a particular key immediately when you try to start.

    Which key?? Not sure on a Dell, it varies. Try the delete key. If that fails, try various of the F keys. You should be able to Google which key you need on a Dell.

    Once the BIOS loads, you have to fish around in it for the location where you change the boot order.

    Dells may also have some type of a boot menu where you could choose to boot from the DVD drive on a one-time basis. The menu should come up with an F key---if it's available on Dells at all and if your fiddling with the PC has not removed that capability.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 21
    Vista 32 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #22

    Brilliant thanks. I was thinking I couldn't get intp the BIOS
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #23

    Nathc said:
    Brilliant thanks. I was thinking I couldn't get intp the BIOS
    I think it may be the F2 key on a Dell.

    Try it and find out. You may as well know now rather than later.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 21
    Vista 32 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #24

    Right, I have turned the system on and I cannot even access the BIOS. I need to wait for the dell logo screen and then press the f key. Screen is blank from the moment I turn it on. Doesn't budge at all. Maybe I don't have a BIOS anymore!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #25

    Shut down as completely as you can. All switches off, so you can do a cold start.

    Start and immediately hold down the F2 key. Keep it down.

    Do you see ANYTHING other than a blank screen?

    If that gives you nothing, I am out of ideas other than resetting the CMOS by pulling the battery for a minute or so.

    I assume you can hear noises of some type when it tries to start--fans, hard drives, electrical noise, something however faint?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 21
    Vista 32 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #26

    I'm in work now and have taken it with me. I have tried what you have suggested, with no luck. It will just not budge from the original blank screen. The hard drive may be turning over - but i'm not sure. Will have a proper listen in a bit and report back. Removing the Cmos - is it straightforward? Will google anyway. At the mo all i'm thinking is I need a new bloody laptop
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 21
    Vista 32 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #27

    ......Nothing but a completely blank screen when I turn it on. The power light comes on. I have spoken with the guy who installed from the same disc on a Vista and an XP system, and he is up and running with no errors.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #28

    I know next to nothing about laptops. For all I know, you simply have a dead screen. Or you may have major hardware problems.

    Inspect your manual or go online to Dell and enter your service key for complete access to Dell troubleshooting, specifications, downloads, etc.

    Nor do I know if you could still recover to Vista if you bought those Dell recovery DVDs.

    It is possible F2 is the wrong key. I am out of ideas.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 21
    Vista 32 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #29

    Thank you so much for your time. Will post back later
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 130
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #30

    Removing the graphics driver in safe mode might work for you. Just remove it via Device manager.
      My Computer


 
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