If your computer won’t turn on, there are several steps you should take in order to diagnose and resolve the issue before having to resort to outside assistance. Here is a checklist of troubleshooting techniques that can help you get your computer running again in no time.
1. Check the power cord and wall outlet: If you are having issues getting your computer to turn on, one of the first things you should do is check the power cord and wall outlet. Make sure that both the cable and outlet are securely connected and that the outlet is powered on.
2. Confirm your computer is receiving power: After confirming that the power cord and wall outlet are in working order, you should confirm that your computer is actually receiving power. To do this, look for an LED light around the power cable port or try plugging in another electronic device into the same outlet that the computer is connected to. If neither of these steps confirm that the computer is receiving power, then you should check your circuit breaker to ensure the issue isn’t related to a lack of power to the home or office.
3. Test the power supply: If the power cord and wall outlet are in working order, but your computer still won’t turn on, then chances are the issue is related to the power supply. Testing the power supply is relatively simple and doesn’t require any technical skills whatsoever. First you should remove the power cord from the back of the computer and check for any visible wear or damage. Next, unplug the power supply from the wall outlet, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Once complete, reattach the power cord to the back of the computer and press the power button. If the computer turns on, then your issue is solved. If the computer does not turn on, then you can try resetting the power supply by pressing the small pinhole located on the back of the unit.
4. Check the power button connections: If the power supply appears to be in working order but the computer still won’t turn on, then the next step is to check the power button connections. This can be done simply by opening up the outer casing of the computer and locating the power button connections. Once located, make sure all the connections are securely attached to their respective pins.
5. Test a different wall outlet: If all the connections appear to be securely in place, but the computer still won’t turn on, then it may be time to test a different wall outlet. This can be done by simply moving the power cord to a different outlet and seeing if the computer will turn on.
6. Check BIOS settings: The BIOS is a program stored on a non-volatile memory chip integrated into the motherboard. This program is responsible for managing the system’s hardware components and monitoring the overall health of the system. Even if the power source and all the necessary components appear to be in working order, the system might still not power on due to a misconfigured BIOS setting. To check the BIOS settings, you will need to locate the small pins labeled ‘BIOS’ on the motherboard. Once located, simply use a small flathead screwdriver to adjust the settings as necessary.
7. Update system drivers: Another potential cause of a computer not turning on could be outdated system drivers. Drivers are pieces of software that control the communication between the operating system and the hardware components of the computer. If the drivers installed on your system are out of date, they might not be able to properly communicate with the hardware and therefore cause the system to fail. To update the system drivers, you can use a driver updater tool or download the drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.
8. Reset RAM modules: Finally, if all the necessary components appear to be in working order and the system drivers are up-to-date, then it might be time to reset the RAM modules. Random Access Memory (RAM) stores data as it is being used by the computer’s operating system, so resetting the RAM modules can sometimes fix the issue. To do this, locate the RAM modules inside the computer (usually near the CPU) and gently remove them from the motherboard. Once removed, put the RAM modules back in their slots, making sure all the connections are securely in place.
These are the eight primary steps you should take if your computer won’t turn on. In some cases, these steps will be enough to get your computer up and running again. However, if none of these steps work, then it might be time to seek out professional assistance. A qualified technician can help you diagnose and resolve the underlying issue quickly and efficiently, allowing your computer to be back up and running in no time.