If your computer won't turn on, don't panic. There are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem and find a solution. In this article, we'll guide you through the most common causes of a computer that won't boot up and how to fix them. Whether it's a power issue, a hardware failure, or a software error, we'll help you get your computer back to life.
The first thing you should do is make sure that your computer is getting enough power. Check if the power cord is plugged in securely, if the outlet is working, and if the power switch on the back of the computer is on. If you're using a laptop, try removing the battery and plugging in the AC adapter. If you're using a surge protector, make sure it's not tripped or damaged. If you have another device that uses the same power cord, try swapping it and see if it makes a difference.
I'd add to this insight that you need to make sure your power supply has high enough wattage to support all the components installed. Some comments, like graphics cards or powerful processors, can take 100 watts or more to power up.
Unplug the power cord from the power supply for few minutes. There are electricity in the power supply for a while even if the cord is unplugged. After couple of minutes, plug the cord and try start the computer again.
If the power source is fine, but your computer still won't turn on, the next step is to test the power supply unit (PSU). The PSU is the component that converts the AC power from the wall into the DC power that your computer needs. If the PSU is faulty, it can prevent your computer from booting up. To test the PSU, you'll need a multimeter, a paper clip, and some caution. You can find detailed instructions on how to test the PSU online, but basically you'll need to disconnect the PSU from the motherboard and other components, short the green and black wires on the 24-pin connector with the paper clip, and measure the voltages on the other connectors with the multimeter. If the voltages are not within the acceptable range, you'll need to replace the PSU.
I'd like to add to this insight that most power supplies have self-test buttons on the back that you can use to make sure that: 1. The outlet supplies power to your PSU 2. The power cable functions properly, and 3. That the power supply receives electricity to distribute power to the components connected to your system
If the PSU is working properly, but your computer still won't turn on, the next step is to check the motherboard. The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the other components of your computer. If the motherboard is damaged, it can prevent your computer from booting up. To check the motherboard, you'll need to open the case and look for any signs of physical damage, such as burns, cracks, or bulging capacitors. You'll also need to listen for any beeps or LED flashes that indicate an error code. You can look up the meaning of these codes in your motherboard's manual or online. If you find any evidence of motherboard failure, you'll need to replace it.
If the motherboard is fine, but your computer still won't turn on, the next step is to check the random access memory (RAM). The RAM is the component that stores the temporary data that your computer needs to run programs and processes. If the RAM is faulty, it can prevent your computer from booting up. To check the RAM, you'll need to open the case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. You'll need to remove the RAM modules and try to boot up with one module at a time in different slots. If your computer boots up with some modules but not others, you'll know which ones are bad and need to be replaced. If your computer doesn't boot up with any module, you'll need to try a different RAM type or speed that is compatible with your motherboard.
If the RAM is fine, but your computer still won't turn on, the next step is to check the hard drive. The hard drive is the component that stores the permanent data that your computer needs to load the operating system and your files. If the hard drive is corrupted, it can prevent your computer from booting up. To check the hard drive, you'll need to connect it to another computer as a secondary drive and see if it's recognized and accessible. You can also run a diagnostic tool or a chkdsk command to scan for errors and bad sectors. If you find any problems with your hard drive, you'll need to back up your data and replace it.
If the hard drive is fine, but your computer still won't turn on, the final step is to check the software. The software is the set of instructions that tells your computer what to do and how to do it. If the software is corrupted, it can prevent your computer from booting up. To check the software, you'll need to boot your computer in safe mode or use a recovery disk or a bootable USB drive. You can then try to restore your system to a previous point, repair your boot files, or reinstall your operating system. If you can't access any of these options, you'll need to contact a professional for help.
I've had laptops I've worked on in the past that wouldn't power on even with the adapter because the battery failed. You'll also want to make sure there aren't any exposed wires, and if there are, ensure they don't touch any metal. If they do they will short out your system and prevent it from powering on.
If the PC supports it, I usually suggest attempting a BIOS recovery as well as a CMOS reset even if it looks like its not getting power. For notebooks its usually a keypress combination, like on an HP Commerical notebook its Windows+V for CMOS reset and Windows+Up Arrow+Down Arrow for BIOS recovery, which is usually detailed in the service and maintenance guide for the individual PC/manufacturer
One time I had a CPU that was overheating. Started to boot up, but usually a few moments after the monitor started to display anything it would drop.
Listen if the computer beeps when trying to turn it on. If it does beep, count the beeps and consult the manual or the Internet what are those beeps about. Differenet beeps mean different problem in the hardware.