How to Troubleshoot Your Computer Not Turning On

When your computer doesn’t turn on, it can be frustrating and make you feel helpless. However, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can try on your own to diagnose and fix the issue before taking it to a repair shop. With some basic tools and a systematic approach, you can get your computer up and running again.

Check Your Power Supply

The first thing to check is whether your computer is getting power.

• Make sure the computer is plugged into a working outlet and that any surge protectors are turned on.

• Check that the power cable is firmly plugged into the back of the computer.

• Check the power button on your computer case to ensure there are no loose connections.

• Inspect the power supply or AC adapter brick for any signs of damage.

• If it has an indicator light, make sure it is illuminated when plugged in.

• Try plugging the computer into a different wall outlet in case there is a problem with that particular outlet.

• Use a multimeter to test the outlet voltage and verify the power supply is receiving the correct input.

If there are no signs of power, the issue likely lies with the power supply, power cord, or wall outlet. You may need to replace the power supply or use an alternate compatible power supply.

Check Connections Inside the Case

If you’ve verified the computer is getting power, the next step is to open up the case and check that all internal components are properly connected:

• Open the computer case and visually inspect all the internal connectors and cables. Make sure all power and data cables are firmly plugged in.

• Pay special attention to the motherboard power connector, processor power connector, graphics card connectors, and storage drive power/data cables.

• Reseat RAM modules and expansion cards by gently removing and reinserting them. This can fix loose connections.

• Inspect for signs of damage like burnt components or damaged ports/connectors.

• Check that all fans are spinning properly without obstruction.

• Make sure internal speaker and power button connectors are attached to the motherboard header pins.

Correct any loose connections or cables you find. If there is apparent damage to ports or components, they may need replacement.

Test Components Outside the Case

If you’ve verified all internal connections, the next step is to test components externally:

• Unplug all peripherals like external drives, printers, and USB devices.

• Disconnect and reseat major components like the graphics card, hard drive, and SSD.

• Remove all but one RAM module, and try booting with each module individually.

• Set up the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and PSU outside the case on a non-conductive surface. This is known as “breadboarding”.

• Attempt to boot the motherboard externally using a screwdriver to short the power pins on the board.

• If it powers on externally, you likely have a faulty case switch or front panel connector issue.

Testing components individually externally helps isolate compatibility or hardware faults. Replace any components that fail external testing.

Reset BIOS/CMOS Settings

Issues with incorrect BIOS or CMOS settings can also prevent booting. Resetting to default settings may resolve boot failures:

• Unplug PSU power cable and remove CMOS battery from motherboard for 15 minutes. This clears CMOS memory.

• Some motherboards have a “Reset CMOS” jumper. Move the jumper to reset CMOS.

• Consult motherboard manual and enter CMOS setup utility usually by pressing Del, F1, or F2 during boot. Load optimized defaults.

• Save changes and exit CMOS. This resets BIOS settings to factory condition.

• If you’ve recently made a BIOS change like overclocking, resetting CMOS can override bad settings.

Check for Short Circuits

A short circuit anywhere in the computer can prevent it from powering on.

• Inspect for signs of liquid spills, damaged ports/connectors, loose screws or standoffs contacting the motherboard.

• Remove PCIe expansion cards and disconnect attached peripherals.

• Breadboard components externally to isolate any short circuits.

• Use a multimeter in continuity mode to test motherboard for shorts.

• Swap in a known working PSU, motherboard and components to isolate faulty parts.

Carefully inspecting for shorts and testing continuity can reveal underlying issues preventing normal boot.

Consider Component Failure

If you’ve tried all the above steps carefully, the issue may be a dead component like:

• Faulty power supply – Replace with a compatible PSU and test.

• Failed CPU – Test with alternate CPU or identify bent pins.

• Bad RAM module – Test each module individually in each slot.

• Loose/dislodged GPU – Reseat GPU and test video output.

• Disconnected storage drive – Reconnect SATA/power cables.

• Damaged motherboard – Swap in spare board and test. Listen for beep codes.

Dead components must be replaced. If available, swap in spare parts systematically to identify faulty hardware.

Stay calm, take your time, and methodically try each troubleshooting step to diagnose your computer failing to boot. With diligent testing and component replacement, you should be able to get it working again. Consider taking it to a repair technician if the issue persists after trying all self-fixes. Don’t give up hope – troubleshooting efforts often pay off in the end!