If you switch it off it can't respond. It would be the Operating System disc you would try to restore it. If you end up installing the OS again you can usually get into the previous version and the data (though you have to "give yourself permission" - there are sites that describe how to get there from here).

I think Bernard is simply telling you to push a button and let it sit for a while and see if it eventually responds. It could make each operation take a while. When you first turn it on, decide which F key you're going to mash, mash it, then see if eventually something happens.

I didn't look up the original model, so when someone started talking about laptops, that battery came to mind. But you can find the round little battery (about the size of a 25 cent piece and thicker) it wouldn't hurt to replace it. Probably won't make a difference in starting the machine.

There is an old trick, one to give careful thought to, but that sometimes works. Bernard probably will cringe - give the CPU a thump on the side or pick it up about a half inch on one side and let it drop. Jar things without breaking anything loose.

SRS