Computer Died (Maybe)

Well Howdy Bill,  Sounds like a POST error (power-on-self-test), I remember them from the old IBM days although on newer machines they usually don't have the in-the-box speaker installed or wired up !!

Here is a link for Dell "beep codes", and other info that might be helpful.  You might have to pop open the case and reseat the RAM modules in their slots and try that, then if that fails take them down to your local Computer store and have them checked.  Usually they are installed in pairs, so if one module fails, the other won't work either.  You may only have one to replace rather than two !!  I would guess that it uses something like PC 266 non-parity, which as you say is not the newer stuff and not too pricey relative to the DDR high speed gaming memory that is so popular these days.  https://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

To properly identify what RAM your PC uses, visit Crucial.com and use the lookup tools on their site.  Just have to enter the make model and maybe serial number to get the info.

Let me know if I can be more help !!
Hugs to Dondra..... and assure her it is likely nothing you did.

ETA: I looked it up for you anyway and it seems it has 1GB DDR2-800 Modules in it,  only $15.99 ea. + freight/UPS. 

Strummerboy Bill your computer uses  DDR2 ram and came with both 2, 3. and 4 slots rated at 800  hertz. If is ram that is the problem, unplug your computer for at least 15 minutes for all power to drain from your power supply and mother board. It is also a good idea when handling ram to wear a pair of nitrate gloves that can be found at Walmart and Loves. If  you have two more slots used buy the same ram for all slots so it will be the same speed. Also it might not be ram it could also the power supply so if you are not sure it might be easier to call a tech to be sure. Also if it was used a tech can vacuum the inside and clean it so it breaths better. 

Also just to mention it never used anything on ram or a power supply parts. Any debris can ruin parts of a computer can ruin other parts.

Do you hear any fans running when you turn on the computer? If not take it to a good tech.  Just some thoughts.

For Safe Mode hit F8 when your screen first starts and hit it over and over  until safe mode starts.

William, my dear old friend....are you sitting down? I may have some sad news for you; my old computer died a very similar death a couple of years ago. It seems the power pack went out one day and never came back. have you smelt burning perchance? The power pack in mine gave off a smell, but instead of switching off and taking it to a techie I kept on trying which toasted the rest of it. Never mind, I got a brand new one built to my specification courtesy of my dearest.
I don't know if you get "Groupon" out there cos they have some great "used" HP PC's at a really small price.

All the best.

Well as far as computers go Strummerboy  and when they play up     

Laugh Lots ... Forgive Much ...  Love one another     
Covers and some Originals found over there    ------- >    https://soundcloud.com/ukulelejan

It's only happened to me once, and local tech wiz was able to access the hard drive and move everything onto a thumb ... whew! Once they reach 5 years old, it's time to start planning a new purchase to avoid the inevitable headaches.

I'm still puttin' my money on RAM.  Primarily because of the beep codes, and the lack of video output. I actually have one of those Dells sitting on the shop floor right now with a different problem..... but the on-board graphics needs RAM to work, so that was a big clue.

The one I'm digging into right now has been a repeat offender..... three years ago I replaced 8 capacitors on the mainboard (swollen & cracked), and now it just resets it's own clock despite having a fresh cmos battery.  Bios boot sequence resets to default when off, and randomly starts itself at odd hours (even if unplugged from the router)..... tried sprinkling Holy Water on it, but that just made it steam (it does have one of those Intel "ovens" inside).

Looking like the eeprom is on it's way out, and I'm not sure if it is worth the effort to resurrect it "one more time" !!  Keep that in mind Bill, just in case you find yourself needing some "used part" like a power supply (wink wink), it is a "small form factor" but not the "extra small" that has the power supply externally connected with that odd Dell connector & cord.