I think I already know the answer, but any luck getting into the BIOS to reset the password?

First off, I'd suggest getting your data off of the hard drive so you don't run the risk of losing it. The easiest way I know is to run by a local computer store and get a drive mount with cables so you can connect it to a desktop (I've heard they even have USB devices nowadays you can plug a laptop HD into, but I haven't seen or tried them myself). Once you've done that, you have a couple options. One thing you could look into is to see if there's a way to reset the BIOS by setting a jumper or something on the motherboard. I don't think you'd be able to find this information online (though it's worth a shot), but you could definitely get it from a Dell representative (if they speak enough English, that is). Another option would be to simply ship the system back to Dell (I'm assuming it's a new system?) and have them sort it out there, but then you'd be without a laptop for a couple weeks.

As for what happened to the system, you didn't happen to spill a drink on it or anything, did you? I know it's a stupid question, but one of my friends spilled a glass of bacardi and coke onto her laptop and it had a lot of issues thereafter until I opened it up and cleaned every component carefully. She still needed a new keyboard and pointer, but the hardware was fine. She not only had random problems occuring (such as some of yours), but her pointer was going crazy as well. She had no control over it whatsoever. Anyway, it's just a thought based upon what I've seen.

A.J.