In this article, we are going to show you how to fix a Windows computer that won't start. Most of this is due to hardware problems, but sometimes the computer software is the cause.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: How to troubleshoot hardware problems
Step 1. Remember that many hardware problems cannot be fixed immediately
If the computer does not start, it is better to take it to a workshop than to fix it yourself.
Most hardware problems are related to poor connections or minor glitches. In this case, the hard drive will most often be in order, that is, your files will not be damaged
Step 2. Back up the contents of your hard drive
Do this before you start repairing your computer. To do this, remove the hard drive from your computer, connect it to another computer using an IDE to USB adapter (or a SATA to USB adapter for old hard drives), and back up the hard drive on the other computer.
Step 3. Check the power cable
As trivial as it sounds, double-check that the power cord is plugged into your computer and into an electrical outlet, and that the outlet is working.
- Plug the computer directly into an electrical outlet to see if a surge protector or extension cord is causing the problem.
- If you are using a laptop, make sure the power adapter is securely connected to it.
Step 4. Use a different monitor
If the computer is on but the screen is black, there might be something wrong with the monitor. Recheck the monitor connection, and then try connecting another monitor (if possible).
Step 5. Remove the battery from the laptop and connect the power adapter to it
The laptop can be operated without a battery by connecting it to a power source. If the laptop starts up without a battery, there is something wrong with the battery, which will need to be replaced.
Step 6. Open the desktop computer case
Do this to check the power supply and internal connections.
- Ground yourself first with a dedicated wrist strap or simply touch the metal chassis of your computer.
- You can check the laptop for hardware problems, but you are unlikely to fix it yourself, so we recommend that you take the laptop to a workshop.
Step 7. Check the power supply cables
Make sure the cables coming out of the power supply are securely connected to the motherboard.
Step 8. Check the power supply
Older power supplies often fail, but testing is fairly straightforward. A faulty power supply is the most common reason why your computer won't start.
Step 9. Replace the faulty power supply
If the check shows that the power supply is defective, we recommend replacing it.
Step 10. Look for loose screws
A loose screw can cause a short circuit on the motherboard. Gently shake the computer case and listen for metal rattles. Use your fingers or long tweezers to remove the screw from the computer case.
Step 11. Inspect the cables
Look for bare cables, as exposed wiring can lead to short circuits. Replace such cables.
Step 12. Reinstall accessories
Try removing and then reinstalling the video card and RAM modules; do the same for all cables. If some connection is loose, this may be the reason that the computer will not start.
You can also try reinstalling the processor, but this is difficult and most likely the processor is not the cause of the problem. Moreover, reinstalling the processor can damage it - in this case, the computer will not work at all
Step 13. Remove the discrete graphics card (if any)
Now connect your monitor to the onboard graphics card (on the motherboard). A faulty graphics card can cause your computer to not start.
Install a new video card if necessary
Step 14. Get rid of non-essential equipment
Try starting your computer with only the most essential hardware connected to it. This means that you need to disable the discrete graphics card, additional drives, PCI cards, and additional RAM modules. Now try turning on your computer.
If the computer starts up with the required hardware, plug in the non-essential hardware one at a time to find the source of the problem
Step 15. Look for additional help
If the computer still does not start, replace essential parts, take the computer to a workshop, or buy a new computer.
Method 2 of 2: How to troubleshoot software problems
Step 1. Try to start your computer
Press the power button
on the computer case.
If your computer won't even turn on, try troubleshooting your computer accessories
Step 2. Hold ⇧ Shift while the computer starts up
Additional options will open.
Additional options will be presented in white on a blue background. If they are not displayed, restart your computer while holding down ⇧ Shift
Step 3. Click on Troubleshooting
You will find this option on the Select Action screen.
Step 4. Click Advanced Options
It's near the top of the screen.
Step 5. Click on Startup Repair
You will find this option on the left side of the screen.
Step 6. Click on your account name in the middle of the screen
Step 7. Enter your password
Enter the password you use to log in, and then click Continue.
If you don't have a password, just click Continue
Step 8. Let Windows check your computer
This may take a few minutes.
Step 9. Follow the instructions on the screen
Depending on the problem, you may be prompted to take some steps to fix it, but the system will most likely fix the problem automatically.
Step 10. Restart your computer
If Startup Repair does not help, reinstall Windows. Back up important files, then follow these steps:
- Restart your computer while holding down ⇧ Shift and go to the Select Action screen.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Click Reset Computer.
- Click "Save My Files".
If this option did not work, restart your computer and use the "Delete everything" option
- Confirm your choice and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Step 11. Reinstall Windows using the installation media
If none of the above methods were successful, reinstall Windows from the DVD or USB drive you used to install the system. Reinstalling the system will erase all the contents of the hard drive, so use this method only as a last resort:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
Advice
- If you are unsure of how to safely handle your computer accessories, take your computer to a workshop.
- Problems starting your computer can be caused by anything from dust to corrupted system files, so finding the exact cause can be difficult.
Warnings
- Wear a wrist strap or touch the computer chassis while it is plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Turn off and unplug your computer before touching any internal components.