Hi I have a DELL Inspiron 5160 running Windows XP. My laptop has froze, the only way to restart was to turn off by the power button. I then tried to restart but could not get beyond the Dell load up screen with the time bar only reaching 3/4 of the way along, it would then either stay at that point or restart itself getting no further than the same point again. I have the option of F2 or F12 to get to the boot menu, pressing either did nothing. I have tried to boot from the XP disc, this did not work and I still arrived at the load up screen. Does it seem like a hardware or software problem? Any help much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Seems like a hardware problem. I would call Dell and have them send someone over or replace it.

I thought it may of been as there was no reason why there would of suddenly been a software problem, I have already contacted Dell they gave me another number for software problems, I will be a bit firmer this time. Thanks for your help and prompt response.

Tell them it's hardware. No Software is loading. It does not Post. No Bios, No Nothing. And tell them to fix it now or have it refunded. Have them pay for shipping too.

Got hold of Dell went through a number of checks, appears the RAM is not working along ith the RAM slot, they are collecting and replacing the motherboard and RAM. Thank you for your help.