When you suddenly find yourself alone with a computer that doesn’t work, you don’t need to panic right away. This can have any easy-to-solve cause, including power issues, hardware issues, or software bugs. The important thing at this point is to know where to start and how to figure out what the problem is.
While it may seem like there is nothing you can do to repair your computer, there is actually a lot to try. In this article, you will find some possible causes and how you can fix them. . .
1. Try Different Cables
While this is highly unlikely, it’s a good idea to check this out first. Thus, you eliminate this possibility. Check your power cable. It may be loose or disconnected. In this case you will need to reconnect.
Sometimes, the cable itself can also be the problem. If you have a spare power cord, it might be a good idea to give it a try.
2. Resolve Beeps
When you try to turn on the computer, you may hear a series of beeps coming from the motherboard. A single beep indicates all is well, while a long, continuous beep may indicate a critical fault in the power supply.
There is no standard set of error codes for troubleshooting. Your computer may give an error message with a series of short and long beeps that look a bit like Morse code. To understand what these beeps mean, it’s a good idea to refer to the computer’s user manual.
If you don’t have the computer’s manual, you can also search for that information on the manufacturer’s website.
3. Try a Different Power Source
If your computer does not turn on at all (no flashing lights, no beeps error codes, and no fans running), there is likely a power problem.
You could try unplugging the power supply and plugging it into a wall outlet that you’re sure works.
4. Check If The Problem Is With The Power Button
If your computer won’t start but the motherboard light is on or the fans are running, you may be having a problem with your power button on the case. For troubleshooting, try booting the system through the motherboard.
However, not all motherboards are the same, so not all of them have a built-in power button. If you have trouble finding it, you can refer to the motherboard manual.
If your motherboard doesn’t have a built-in power button, you can tap the power switch header pins with a screwdriver to quickly start your PC. This is a useful workaround to see if it’s your power button or the problem. However, we recommend that you consult an expert before doing this.
5. Check Your Screen
If your computer is making noise but you don’t see anything on the screen, the error may be caused by the monitor. You can start by making sure you connect your monitor to the computer and power source.
You should also double check to make sure the monitor’s power cable is not faulty. If using another power cord doesn’t fix the problem and you have a spare monitor or TV you can connect, give it a try. If your computer is starting now, it looks like you need to replace your monitor.
6. Remove USB Devices You Don’t Need
When attempting to troubleshoot a problem, it is best to eliminate all variables that may be contributing to the malfunction. Focus on the area with the most likely cause. If you’ve come this far and your problem persists, disconnect everything and try starting the computer with keyboard and mouse only.
In difficult situations, continue troubleshooting even without a keyboard and mouse to make sure none of the USB devices are causing a conflict. Frequently, ports can cause these types of problems. Therefore, it will make your job easier to ensure that the ports are free during the boot process.
7. Reduce the Heat
A computer can shut down from overheating. Too much dust accumulating in the vents or fans can cause your machine to overheat and then shut down.
The best troubleshooting option in this case is to wait for your computer to cool down. You can also use third-party software to regulate and monitor your fan speeds and cooling system. Or you can also use an external hardware cooler.
8. Check Surge Protector
If you have plugged your computer into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or surge protector, check the reset switch.
Most surge protectors come with a built-in reset switch that you must press whenever there is a power surge.
9. Check CMOS Battery
If you have a dead CMOS battery, your system will not be able to remember the date or time and will prompt you to boot the operating system by pressing the F1 key.
This usually does not result in a boot failure, but it can rarely happen. If you’ve exhausted all other possibilities, it’s always worth a try to see if it makes a difference.
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