PC WON'T START
A computer that won't turn on or boot properly is one of the most common and frustrating issues. The problem can range from a simple loose cable to a failed motherboard. This guide walks you through systematic troubleshooting steps to identify and potentially fix the issue yourself before calling a professional.
Common Causes
Loose or disconnected power cables between the wall outlet, power supply, and motherboard.
Faulty or dead power supply unit (PSU) that can no longer deliver adequate power.
Improperly seated or failed RAM modules preventing the POST process from completing.
Corrupted BIOS/UEFI settings that prevent the system from initialising hardware correctly.
Dead CMOS battery causing the motherboard to lose its configuration on every power cycle.
Failed motherboard components such as blown capacitors or damaged voltage regulators.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Check All Power Connections
Start with the basics. Ensure the power cable is firmly plugged into both the wall outlet and the back of your PC. Try a different power outlet to rule out a dead socket. For desktops, check that the power supply switch on the back is in the ON position. For laptops, try removing the battery and running on AC power alone, then try with just the battery. Also inspect the cable for any visible damage or fraying.
Reseat RAM Modules
Power off your computer completely and unplug it. Open the case and locate the RAM sticks. Press the clips on each side to release them, then carefully remove each stick. Clean the gold contacts gently with a soft eraser or lint-free cloth. Reinsert the RAM firmly until the clips snap into place. If you have multiple sticks, try booting with just one at a time to identify a faulty module. Listen for beep codes — a series of beeps often indicates a RAM issue.
Reset BIOS / Clear CMOS
If your PC powers on but won't boot past the initial screen, a BIOS reset may help. Locate the CMOS battery on your motherboard — it's a small, round, silver battery similar to a watch battery. Remove it for about 30 seconds, then reinsert it. Alternatively, look for a CMOS reset jumper on your motherboard (check your manual for its location). This resets all BIOS settings to factory defaults, which can resolve boot issues caused by incorrect configurations or failed overclocking attempts.
Test with Minimal Hardware
Strip your system down to the bare essentials: motherboard, CPU, one stick of RAM, and the power supply. Disconnect all USB devices, extra hard drives, graphics cards, and peripherals. Try to boot with just these components. If the system posts successfully, add components back one at a time to identify the culprit. This process of elimination is the most reliable way to pinpoint hardware failures.
Inspect for Physical Damage
With the case open, visually inspect the motherboard for any signs of damage. Look for bulging or leaking capacitors, burn marks, or cracked solder joints. Check that all internal cables are properly connected — the 24-pin ATX power connector, the 4/8-pin CPU power connector, and any front panel connectors. A loose front panel power button connector is a surprisingly common cause of a PC that appears completely dead.
When to Call a Pro
If the steps above don't resolve your issue, it's time to call in the experts. Contact us if:
Your PC shows no signs of life at all — no lights, no fans, nothing happens when you press the power button.
You hear unusual sounds like clicking, grinding, or continuous beeping patterns you can't identify.
The system powers on briefly then immediately shuts off, which may indicate a short circuit.
You've tried all the steps above and the computer still won't start — the issue likely requires component-level diagnosis.