Help!!! windows won't load, PLEASE!!!!!!

[mzft]

I have had my computer for 2 years or so

Dell Dim. 4500
Pentium 4 2.8 533fsb
1 gig RAM

the computer is running fine and then I turn it off...

I comback a few hours later and try to turn the Comp. on and it will turn on and I get that basic Dell startup screen before it loads up windows. Then it just goes black. It will just sit there...
If I try to restart it it does the same thing...after a few tries I will unplug the computer completely for a few minutes then re-start it...most of the time that will get it going...

It sounds like the Hard drive is running but nothing happens...is it windows or is it the hard drive...I feel like it may be the hard drive but I am not sure.

I am not the most computer savvy person...please help

MzFt

[Panama Red]

First thing, if you have any files on that hard drive that you want to keep, remove the hard drive and install it in another pc so you can save the files. Then download the hard driver maker's diagnostic software and make a floppy with it. Then reinstall your hard drive and boot with the floppy to run the diagnostics.

[mzft]

Thankyou for the reply...unfortunately I am not sure what the maker of the Hard drive is....I have looked...It looks like some generic brand that Dell put on to make my PC cheap...

I may just buy a new and better har drive...you think that may be a better Idea...I mean does it sound like windows or the Hard drive to you?

P.S. I see that you were awarded the bronze star...than you for your service...My father was in Nam with the seals as a UDT for them he was awarded the Navy distingushed service medal in Nam...and in the army Spec Forces in The first iraq war he was awarded the silver star...

[Panama Red]

You should be able to id the hard drive by going to the bios. It will be shown there.

Thanx for the recognition. And tell your dad I said Welcome home and thanx for his service.