need help with laptop

[greyowl]

I have an old Dell Latitude D600 laptop  to which I recently reinstalled XP. It was working fine when I left it a few weeks ago.  Today, I tried to use it and it won't boot up.  When it tries to start, a little lock icon with an A in the middle (near the start button) flashes then it shuts off.  There are three little lock icons in a row-the first has a 9 in it, the second has an A in it, and the third has an arrow pointing down.  All three are to the left of the start button.

Does anyone have any idea what is happening?

[greyowl]

I should also add that the battery was dead when I stopped using it.  Would this cause it to lose the operating system.  It was plugged in when I tried it today.

[schmidthouse]

Hi
Will the Laptop boot up in SafeMode?
(Repeatedly pressing F8 on xp immediately when pressing Power)
If it does, there are options available that might resolve the issue. For example,'Last Known working configuration'

As far a Dead Battery, "if your laptop is plugged in and Battery Charging Light comes on" there should be no issue there.

[greyowl]

I removed and reinstalled the RAM and mysteriously, it booted up.  I have had two successful boots now and the laptop is working normally.

What could be the explanation?

[schmidthouse]

I removed and reinstalled the RAM and mysteriously, it booted up.  I have had two successful boots now and the laptop is working normally.

What could be the explanation?

Hard to say, Not sure.
If all is working fine, life is good.
Someone else may have your answer.

[greyowl]

Thanks for the interest and response.

I will post back if I have any more trouble.

[schmidthouse]

No worries, You're welcome