When a computer won’t start up, it can be frustrating and confusing as to what is causing the issue. The following steps can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Step 1: Check the Power Supply
If your computer isn’t turning on, the first step is to check the power supply. Make sure that the power cable is securely connected and that the power socket is working. If the connection is loose, try tightening the cable to ensure it has a strong connection. If possible, try using a different power socket or checking the connection at the wall outlet or power strip with a multimeter.
Also, make sure your power supply switch is turned on, as some desktop PCs require a manual switch. If none of these steps solve the issue, the power supply unit may have failed. Try using a different power supply or replacing the current one with a new one to see if that solves the problem.
Step 2: Check the Motherboard and Cables
If the power supply appears to be functioning correctly, then the next thing to check is the motherboard. Start by opening up your computer and checking the connections between the CPU, RAM, and other components. Make sure all cables are firmly connected and free from any damage.
If the connections seem secure, try reseating the RAM in its slot and double-checking the connections. Similarly, try disconnecting all the cables from the motherboard and reconnecting them.
Step 3: Check the Video Card
If the motherboard appears to be functioning correctly, then the next step is to check the video card. Open up your computer and remove the video card from its slot, then inspect the contacts for any damage.
If there is no visible damage, try reseating the video card back into its slot and ensuring it is firmly in place. If necessary, try using a different video card to see if that solves the issue.
Step 4: Check the Hard Drive
If the video card doesn’t appear to be the issue, then the next step is to check the hard drive. Open up your computer and check the connections on the hard drive and ensure it is firmly in place.
If the hard drive seems secure, then try disconnecting it from the motherboard and then reconnecting it. If possible, try replacing the hard drive with a different one to see if that solves the issue.
Step 5: Check the BIOS Settings
If the hard drive doesn’t seem to be the issue, then the next step is to check the BIOS settings. Accessing the BIOS is usually done by pressing a specific key while the computer boots up. Once you have accessed the BIOS settings, check the settings under the Startup tab.
Make sure the correct device is selected in the Boot Device Priority section and that the Hard Disk Boot Priority is set to the correct device. If the settings are incorrect, change them and save the settings before exiting the BIOS.
Step 6: Check for Virus/Malware
If none of the previous steps solve the issue, then it might be worth checking your computer for any viruses or malware. Use a reliable anti-virus software and perform a full system scan. This should detect any malicious programs and remove them from your system.
Once the antivirus program has completed its scan, reboot your computer and see if the issue persists. If the problem still exists, it could be a hardware issue and you may need to take the computer in for repairs.
Conclusion
If your computer won’t start up, the above steps can help you troubleshoot and fix the issue. Start by checking the power supply and ensure all the cables are firmly connected. After that, check the motherboard and video card, followed by the hard drive and BIOS settings. Finally, if necessary, perform a virus/malware scan to detect and remove any malicious programs.