I turn on my dell dim. 3000 black screen comes up saying we apologize but either some software was downloadede or power/reset button was pushed gives me options to open windows normally or safe mode or to the last working configuration? it will not open windows with any of these choices it just goes back to the black screen. how do i do a system restore?

In that case, I would reinstall Windows. Something must corrupted in windows. Do you have your OEM Windows disk with you?

test for secure dust free connections or replace the 40 pin ide lead from mother board to hard drive
include electrical extensions
operating system cant find ide hard drive
hope it helps

Try unplugging your video card and re-seating it. Sometimes, when they are cleaned, the card gets bumped and isn't quite seated right. If that doesn't work, try doing the same thing with your memory sticks.

If it turns on and makes all the normal sounds, hold the screen up to a light and move it around. If you see a very dim picture then your inverter has failed. This can be fixed.
You can also plug an external monitor into the laptop to make sure that your graphics chip hasn't let go.

Sounds like your inverter or your backlight is failing. The inverter is an easy repair, the backlight can be replaced but it involves taking the LCD panel apart, The backlight comes installed on new screens. I can include a service manual below and possibly a generic guide to backlight replacement....

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latd505/sm/display.htm#1052500

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/01/31/replace-screen-inverter-fix-backlight/

go to power options in control panel and check if you have the option turned on to "turn off the screen after x minues of inactivity"

I had the same problem with my keyboard and it turned out to be a manufactureing problem I just got another keyboard.

Dell gives free tech support forever. If you are out of warranty, you pay the cost of parts; but they will give you the help you need. Just get the "tag number" from the cabinet before you call.

Black screen is probably a screen saver or the screen is turned off by power management software.
Check your screensaver setting. Change the screensaver to None to disable screensaver.
I assume you are using Windows XP.
If the LCD is turned off by power management, on the same screen with screen saver, on the lower part of the box there is a Power button. Click to open Power Options Properties. Set your monitor power properties there.
When the screen go blank and you have to push power button, probably the computer is set to go to stand by mode after some idle minutes. You can also set it here in system standby setting.
Regards, 
Dapid Candra

Try to boot it to last known configuration.

Hope it will work.