Josef Lowder wrote:
> 
> After much searching on the Internet, I learned that this is 
> a known problem with this Dell computer and the solution is to 
> unplug the computer (and if that doesn't work, to also remove 
> and reinstall the battery and/or the memory chips), then the Dell 
> will see the bios again.  This may need to be done more than once.
> 
> After several attempts, that finally worked. 

Josef,

I have been following this thread with some interest since I have a
desktop computer with similar symptoms.  This computer had some other
behaviors that point me away from a perfect match, including the fact
that it is not a Dell.  However, I'd be interested in the references
that you found.  If you have the links handy, could you provide them
here or off list?

Alan