Slow startup now that I upgraded BIOS

use this tool (https://www.hirensbootcd.org/old-versions/) , bootable CD or USB, tons of tools inside including password recovery or create new Admin then reboot and using the new admin from there you can access your admin account to reset the password.

This is a little bit long shot, but check also if there is an updated firmware for the SSD (you will need access to another machine in order to upgrade it). I will look up if I find either a bios for the Dell that is working or another solution

If it is updating it will take a while to load updates. Once all the updates are installed it should Boot and shut down faster. Just let it finish the updates. do not disturb until finished.

The Dell Dimension 2350 Desktop PC motherboard, has an Intel 845GL motherboard chipset,
mounted to it. (System Information),

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2350/specs.htm#1101572

Here we see that the Intel 845GL chipset supports processors, with a -> maximum <- Front Side Bus of 400MegaHertz, (FSB = 400MHz max.),

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_intel_chipsets#Pentium_4_chipsets

The Intel Pentium 4 model 530 (3.0GHz. Also has Hyper-threading Technology. HT), operates with a FSB of 800MegaHertz, (FSB = 800MHz),

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Pentium_4_microprocessors#Prescott_.2890.C2.A0nm.29_2

(Scroll down. Pentium 4 HT 530 )

You can't make the Intel 845GL chipset support a processor with an 800MHz FSB.
BIOS update or not, the voltage range will be too low. Therefore the FSB is low. Changing just the Multiplier will not do the trick either.

(BIOS Setup, Advanced Chipset Setup. Doubt the options of changing the FSB, and/or Voltage, and/or Multiplier, is available with that BIOS program))

Note your 3.0GHz processor is operating at 1.5GHz?

Max FSB supported is 400MHz, and your Model 530 needs 800MHz? (For max operation)

Post additional questions in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette


[ Chip and Chipset are shortened terms for I.C.
Integrated Circuit,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_circuit

The motherboard chipset technology used for your computer, has a Northbridge chip, and a Southbridge chip.

(Does not apply to motherboards that support the Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 processors )

The Northbridge chip handles the faster capabilities of a computer.
Processor, Ram Memory, and High-speed graphics.

[ The AGP technology, and the PCI-Express technology, is High-speed graphics.
Using a graphics card in a PCI slot, or using Integrated Graphics, is NOT High-speed graphics ]

The Southbridge chip handles the slower capabilities of a computer.
Anything connected to the PCI bus, (Such as a PCI graphics card)
IDE (PATA)
SATA
USB
Ethernet
Audio (Sound)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Motherboard_diagram.svg

[ CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. Another term used is Microprocessor, or Processor for short ]

So it is first up to the Northbridge chip, of the motherboard chipset, whether it will support a certain processor, THEN if a BIOS update will help.

try to reset BIOS, check HDD for errors and CHEK RAM memory

If it's a BIOS password (one that appears immediately after starting the pc) then you must reset the BIOS - remove the large battery located on the motherboard for 30 minutes.
If it's a Windows password then the easiest solution is to use a Linux Live-CD to recover your files and reinstall.

Have you disabled the on board audio from the bios settings?

In case of a problem or clarification, don't hesitate to post.

Thanks and regards
Please kindly rate this solution
Stelios

It seems your driver was corrupted or you upgraded/reloaded an operating system, visit dells site for drivers

The new processor may not be compatible with your motherboard or BIOS.
Also, if something happend to the computer during the BIOS upgrade (a power surge etc.) then your motherboard could pretty much be ruined.

Yes, you can change the operating system with the XP full CD. Boot from the disk at startup and it will erase the linux partition and install windows.