It's an awful way to start a day...
you press the power button on your computer and nothing happens. Few
computer problems are more frustrating than when your computer won't boot.
There are many reasons why a computer won't turn on and often very
few clues about what might be the problem. The only symptom is usually
the simple fact that "nothing works" which isn't much to go on.
Add to this the fact that whatever is causing your computer not to
start could be an expensive part of your PC to replace - like the motherboard or CPU.
Do not fear because all may not be lost! Here's what you need to do:
Read #1 below (it'll make you feel better).
Pick the best troubleshooting guide (#2 - #9) based on how your
computer is acting or #10 if your PC stops at any point because of an
error message.
Note: The "computer won't start" troubleshooting guides below apply to all PC devices.
In other words, they'll help if your desktop or laptop won't turn on,
or even if your tablet won't turn on. I'll call out any important
differences along the way.
Also, all are applicable no matter what Windows operating system you have installed on your hard drive, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Steps 1 through 5 even apply to other PC operating systems like Linux.
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1.
Don't Panic! Your Files are Probably OK
When faced with a computer that won't start most people tend to panic, worried that all the data on their PC is gone forever.
It's true that the most common reason a computer won't start is because a piece of hardware has failed or is causing a problem but that hardware isn't usually a hard drive, the part of your computer that stores all of your files.
In other words, your music, documents, emails, and videos are probably safe - just not accessible at the moment.
So take a deep breath and try to relax. There's a good chance you can
figure out exactly why your computer won't start and then get it back
up and running.
Don't Want to Fix This Yourself?
See How Do I Get My Computer Fixed?
for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything
along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off,
choosing a repair service, and a whole lot more.
Try these steps if your computer will not turn on and is
showing no sign at all of receiving power - no fans running and no
lights on the laptop or tablet, nor on the front of the computer's case if you're using a desktop. Important: You may or may not see a light on the back of your desktop PC depending on the kind of power supply
you have and the exact cause of the problem. This goes for the power
adapter you may be using for your tablet or laptop as well.
How To Fix a Computer That Shows No Sign of Power Note: Don't worry about the monitor
yet, assuming you're using a desktop or an external display. If the
computer is not turning on because of a power issue then the monitor
certainly can't display anything from the computer. Your monitor light
will likely be amber/yellow if your computer has stopped sending
information to it.
More »
Follow these steps if, when you turn your computer on, it promptly powers back off.
You'll probably hear the fans inside your computer turn on, see some
or all of the lights on your computer turn on or flash, and then it will
all stop.
You won't see anything on the screen and you may or may not hear beeps coming from the computer before it shuts off by itself.
How To Fix a Computer That Turns On and Then Off Note: As in the previous scenario, don't worry about
the state your external monitor is in, if you have one. You may have a
monitor issue as well but it's not possible to troubleshoot it quite
yet.
More »
If your computer seems to be receiving power after turning it
on but you don't see anything on the screen, try these troubleshooting
steps.
In these situations, the power lights will stay on, you'll likely
hear the fans inside your computer running (assuming it has any), and
you may or may not hear one or more beeps coming from the computer.
How To Fix a Computer That Turns On But Displays Nothing
This situation is probably the most common in my experience working
with computers that won't start. Unfortunately it's also one of the most
difficult to troubleshoot.
More »
5.
Computer Stops or Continuously Reboots During the POST
Use this guide when your computer powers on, shows at least something on the screen, but then stops, freezes, or reboots over and over again during the Power On Self Test (POST). The POST on your computer may happen in the background, behind
your computer maker's logo (as shown here with the Dell laptop), or you
may actually see frozen test results or other messages on the screen.
How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During the POST Important: Don't use this troubleshooting guide if you encounter an issue during the loading of the operating system, which occurs after the
Power On Self Test is complete. Troubleshooting Windows related reasons
why your computer won't turn on begin with #6 below.
More »
6.
Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots on a BSOD
If your computer begins to load Windows but then stops and
displays a blue screen with information on it then try these steps. You
may or may not see the Windows splash screen before the blue screen
appears.
This kind of error is called a STOP error but is more commonly referred to as a Blue Screen of Death or a BSOD. Receiving a BSOD error is a common reason why a computer won't turn on.
How To Fix Blue Screen of Death Errors Important: Choose this troubleshooting guide even if
the BSOD flashes on screen and your computer restarts automatically
without giving you time to read what it says.
More »
7.
Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots Without an Error
Try these steps when your computer powers on, starts to load
Windows, but then freezes, stops, or reboots over and over again without
generating any kind of error message.
The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows
splash screen (shown here) or even on a black screen, with or without a
flashing cursor.
How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During Windows Startup Important: If you suspect that the Power On
Self Test is still going on and that Windows has not yet started to
boot, a better troubleshooting guide for why your computer won't turn on
might be #5 above. It's a fine line and sometimes hard to tell. Note: If your computer won't start and you see
a blue screen flash or remain on the screen, you're experiencing a Blue
Screen of Death and should use troubleshooting guide #6 above.
More »
8.
Windows Repeatedly Returns to Startup Settings or ABO
Use this guide when nothing but the Startup Settings (Windows 8 - shown here) or Advanced Boot Options (Windows 7/Vista/XP) screen appears every time your restart your computer and none of the Windows startup options work.
In this situation, no matter which Safe Mode
option you choose, your computer eventually stops, freezes, or restarts
on its own, after which you find yourself right back at the Startup
Settings or Advanced Boot Options menu.
How To Fix a Computer That Always Stops at Startup Settings or Advanced Boot Options
This is a particularly annoying way in which your computer won't turn
on because you're trying to use Windows' built-in ways to solve your
problem but you're getting nowhere with them.
More »
9.
Windows Stops or Reboots On or After the Login Screen
Try this troubleshooting guide when your computer powers on,
Windows shows the login screen, but then freezes, stops, or reboots here
or anytime after.
How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During Windows Login
The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows
login screen, as Windows is logging you in (as shown here), or any time
up to Windows fully loading.
More »
NTLDR is Missing.
10.
Computer Doesn't Fully Start Because of an Error Message
If your computer turns on but then stops or freezes at any
point, showing an error message of any kind, then use this
troubleshooting guide.
Error messages are possible at any stage during your computer's boot
process, including during the POST, at any time during the loading of
Windows, all the way up to the Windows desktop appearing.
How To Fix Errors Seen During the Computer Startup Process
Hii guys, My name is Ganeshkumar and I’m a Computer Hardware Engineer and I proudly love to teach about computer software and hardware repairing stuffs. My hobby is blogging about computer problems solutions
It's an awful way to start a day...
you press the power button on your computer and nothing happens. Few
computer problems are more frustrating than when your computer won't boot.
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