Aloha (I'm new here),

I tried to reformat my HD on a old dell I have. It had a dual boot 98/linux system.
I followed some online directions from microsoft on how to reformat. After I went
to fdisk and deleted the secondary partition, restarted and now it shows a blank
screen, no command prompt nothing. I thought it might be a software issue but
the hd is pretty new (maxtor, don't know how big), the power supply is new too
(the new hd was blowing the old ps).

Anyone know how to get the command prompt back, or do I need to buy new hd?

Thanks in advance.
Mahalo Chris

Welcome to DAL!

Just to clarify: where were your respective operating systems?

What was on the second partition? Did you do anything to the first partition?

Any other partition?

It sounds like you removed your operating systems.

errr....??
I know that before restarted there was a partition that was 86%. I'm asssuming
that that was/is the windows partition. I did delete the smallest partition. I was
asssssuming that it was the linux partition. I was going to give that comp to a
friend, and she doesn't do linux.

There were only two partitions that I know of. One for the linux and one for the
windows 98.

My biggest worry is that since there is nothing on the screen, that it is fubar. I
really don't want to drop $50+shipping (to Hawa$$) for a new hd.

When you power on the computer do you get any reaction?

Does the BIOS start up?

If not does your monitor get any signal? Or does it get a "No Signal" message?

Do the LED's light up?

So, when turn it on:
The cd light goes on flashes (I have it set to boot to cd 1st, floppy 2nd then hd)
The floppy drive makes a sound
The hd spins up and stays on (it is still spinning now).
The Two green light on the front light up then the little one goes out, but the one
on the power button stays on.

I unplugged the monitor from the comp and the no signal message comes on and
says that there must a cable loose, the monitor is working properly.

I have no idea if my bios is starting, what would look like?

How did it used to start?

If it is a manufactured computer such as Dell or HP or IBM etc. you usually see their logo. If it is custom built you usually see the motherboard logo. Or else you see a black screen running through all the hardware checks.

Did you ever see anything like this?

If you are not seeing this then the BIOS is not starting (if the monitor is OK).

If you are not seeing any of this are you hearing any BEEPS?

And just as a preliminary question: are you familiar with working inside the case?

No splash screen, just black. So I guess my bios isn't starting?
I have no issues going inside, I replaced the hd myself, and I was a Aviation
Electronic tech in the us coast guard (it was a long time ago before ms or apple.
I don't have the speakers set up, so I don't know if there are any beeps, should
I do this?

The BEEPS we are looking for come from either the motherboard or a case speaker if installed. This has nothing to do with your audio speakers.

The board usually will BEEP once as soon as the BIOS clears. This is when all is well. Otherwise the BEEPS come in patterns which are error codes.

Did you ever hear any BEEP(s) when all was well?

Anyway the first step here (assuming the motherboard and or case speaker is working) is to remove all the RAM and then try to boot.

If the board or case speaker is working you should get an endless repetition of BEEP BEEP BEEP when you try to boot without RAM installed.

If the board or case speaker is working and you hear nothing without any RAM installed the integrity of your motherboard is in serious question.

Also inspect the motherboard for any swollen or leaking capacitors.

Sorry I missed the fact that this is an old Dell. Many old Dell's also have LED error displays on the rear of the case. Four LEDs that should be in some combination of red and green or off.

I and my wife do not remember any beeps when all was well. I did hook up the
speakers just in case, still no beeps.

I took out all the ram and started it up and still no beeps.

There are four "lights" on the back of the computer/MB "A,B,C,D" that are not lit.
No matter if the ram was in or out. There is a light inside the comp on the MB
(amber) that goes on when the comp gets turned on and took a while after I
unhooked the power cord.

There is no physical evidence of any component issues, but most of the "goodies"
are on the other side of the MB.

Well back to square one.

1) What instructions from Microsoft were you following?

I followed some online directions from Microsoft on how to reformat.

2)

The Two green light on the front light up then the little one goes out, but the one
on the power button stays on.

Two lights on the monitor? Or is this the tower?

I unplugged the monitor from the comp and the no signal message comes on and
says that there must a cable loose, the monitor is working properly.

This is interesting because if the BIOS were not engaged you should get a "No Signal Input" with the monitor plugged in.

...