We have a Dell C521 and got tired of Vista. We formatted the hard drive and installed a previous version of XP. We were getting the downloads from the Dell web site to bring the computer up-to-date. During the download of bios it locked up and did not download. When the computer was restarted it started with a series of two short beeps and 1 long. The monitor showed "no signal input check video cable. We plugged the monitor into our laptop and it is fine. We removed the battery to try and reset the bios. We don't know what to do at this point since we can't see the error message on the computer. Is there something we can do to try and fix this ourselves?

If your system locked up DURING the bios flash update and did not complete, you're in a pickle. It's the one part of the system that must be in working order or the system CAN'T load. You will need to complete the BIOS flash update before you can start working on your PC again.

So, on another computer, use the Dell website/support tools to make BIOS flash update floppy disc or CD. Boot with that disc and get that flash BIOS complete. From there, let us know how it goes.

Will computer boot to bios at all? That is first ? If so do as other member suggested. If not go to dell website Dell Support - Technical Support, Drivers & Downloads, Troubleshooting, Product Manuals and Order Status and check it it is still under warranty by inputting your service tag number.. if yes just call Dell and and tell them what happened. (do not tell them you were switching the os from the one that came on the system originally!) that can void warranty! They will repair it free. If you did not get the onsite warranty then u will have to ship it to them but they are pretty quick. And I suggest you purchase the extended nbd onsite warranty. Its worth it.