"F2 for setup and F12 for boot options." Are you saying you get this far and the computer REBOOTS by itself, if that is the case you start to consider a power issue here. How many files did the user want to save? Where are the 2 recovery disks that should have came with the pc, or does it have a recovery partition that you would have an option for after hitting F12 if you get that far. If you slave the drive run your options scan disk, check disk ect, the go to the manfactures site of the hard drive an run there tests on the drive. I wonder if you can get recovery disks from Dell for the 2400 series?

What is the computer model number? Consider seriously before taking it to a repair shop because today you'll likely buy a new computer for close to what you might well pay in repair charges. With the recovery CDs you can do this yourself. It is a simple task requiring very little user input other than agreeing to allow it to wipe the drive so you lose all your data - which the repair guy will do anyway so you may as well curse at yourself as curse at him/her. In fact it might just be a good idea to insert disk 1 of the Recovery set just to see if there is more action than you have now. You can always click Cancel or hit the power button to end the processs. Gene's idea of using a second monitor is great, that will eliminate one thing from the equation. With no beep it does sound as though the motherboard has quit. They made some eMachines a few years ago with defective power supplies which quit without warning. In many cases the power supply also took out the motherboard and replacements were not available. Those computer were instant garbage but I thought that was fixed before your machine was made. Take the left side off your computer and read odd the make and wattage of your power supply

very good!! glad you got your little computers back LOL Jasdip you likely do not have that box ticked on yours to show them, you could do that and they would show. How to show your Network connection icon in the taskbar notification area To display a network connection icon on the taskbar and another method How to Display a Network Connection Icon on the Taskbar

I've never used a paper towel, I'm scared of scratching the LCD. I just googled and they say to stay away from windex etc because they contain ammonia. The best bet is plain distilled water and a soft cloth. I always have distilled water on hand as we use it in the iron.