What do I do if my computer won’t boot?

If your computer won’t boot, there are a few steps you can take to try and fix the issue. First, try restarting the computer. If the computer still won’t boot, then try booting into safe mode. This will allow you to access the system without loading any third-party drivers or programs. If the computer still won’t boot, then it is likely that there is either a hardware or software issue at play.

Hardware Issues:

1. Check the power
Check that the power is connected properly and that the power is working correctly. Make sure all cables are secure and that the monitor is turned on. Check that the power switch on the rear of the computer is in the On position.

2. Check the RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is responsible for temporarily storing data while the computer is running. If the RAM is faulty, the computer won’t be able to run. Open the case and check that the RAM is firmly seated in its slot. If it isn’t, remove it and reseat it. If the RAM is seated properly, try removing it and inserting it in a different slot or replacing it with new RAM.

3. Check the hard drive
If you can get into BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), check if the hard drive is detected. If it is not, then it could mean that either the hard drive is faulty or the data cable connecting it to the motherboard is loose. Reseat the data cable and make sure it is firmly connected. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the hard drive.

4. Check the power supply
If the RAM and hard drive are working properly, but the computer still won’t boot, then the power supply could be faulty. It is possible that the power supply has failed. To test the power supply, use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the power supply’s output. If the power supply is faulty, replace it with a new one.

Software Issues:

1. Check for malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge. Often times, malware can prevent your computer from booting up. Run a full antivirus scan to see if any malicious files are present. If the scan detects any, remove them. You can also try using an anti-malware program to check for any malicious code.

2. Check the boot order
The boot order, which is set in the BIOS or UEFI, determines the order in which the computer attempts to boot from different devices. Check that the correct device is set as the first boot device. If the wrong device is set, change it to the correct one.

3. Repair the operating system
If the computer still won’t boot, then it is likely a software issue. Try running a repair on the operating system. This will replace any damaged or missing files on the system, which could help the computer boot. To do this, boot from the installation media, such as a USB flash drive, CD, or DVD, and select the Repair option.

Conclusion

If your computer won’t boot, there are a few steps you can take to try and diagnose and fix the issue. Check that the power is connected properly and that the power switch is set to On. Check the RAM, hard drive, and power supply in case they are causing the issue. Make sure any malware on the system is removed. Finally, repair the operating system if necessary. Following these steps should get your computer back up and running.