Question : Problem: Startup on Dell inspiron 2100

I have a Dell inspiron 2100.  When I try to boot it it shows the dell screen where I can push f2 to go to Bios.  Then it goes to a blinking cursor on a black screen.  I know it's not a problem with the hard drive.  The fan runs for about 3 seconds and the hard drive light blinks 3 times and that's it.  It just sets there blinking.  I have tried the hard drive in another Dell inspiron and it's fine.  Any ideas?

Answer : Problem: Startup on Dell inspiron 2100

You might want to check if the vents are clogged and blow them out.  A worse possibility is that the IDE controller on your motherboard doesn't work anymore.  If you have another hard drive to try in it, that may halp isolate the cause.