Below I asked about a computer that was apparently dead.   Maxx Catt said replace the CMOS battery. 

Well for $2 it was worth a try.

It worked!

At first it wouldn't boot because there was a conflict with the wireless modem and my BIOS has a very limited number of options.  There was nothing I could do.  However I had removed the HD and putting that back in allowed me to reconnect the modem and now everything is working. 

I hope Maxx Catt continues on this site.  He's an invaluable source. 

After a little over 30 years of working on computers I'm still learning things and I'm glad someone is willing to share his knowledge.