Friday 28 November 2014

How To Fix a Computer That Won't Turn On

It's a dreadful 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:
  1. Read #1 below (it'll make you feel better).
  2. 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 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Steps 1 through 5 even apply to other PC operating systems like Linux.
Frustrated man at computer - Blend Images/Hill Street Studios/Vetta/Getty Images 
 

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.
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Photo of an Acer Aspire AZC-606-UR24 All-in-One Desktop - © Acer, Inc.

2. Computer Shows No Sign of Power

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 »
Photo of an HP 18-5110 18.5-Inch All-in-One Desktop - © HP
© HP

3. Computer Powers On... and Then Off

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 »

Photo of a Dell UltraSharp U2412M 24-Inch LED Monitor - © Dell, Inc.
© Dell, Inc.

4. Computer Powers On But Nothing Happens

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 »
Photo of a Dell Inspiron i3531-1200BK Laptop - © Dell, Inc.
© Dell, Inc.

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 »

Screnshot of a 0x5C / HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 8 -

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 »
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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 »
Screenshot of the Startup Settings menu in Windows 8 -

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 »
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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 -
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
Note: The only exception to using this troubleshooting guide for an error message is if the error is a Blue Screen of Death. See #6 above for a better troubleshooting guide for BSOD issues. More »

More "Computer Won't Turn On" Tips

Still can't get your computer to turn on? See Get More Help for information about contacting me for more help on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more.
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How to Format a Computer with Windows 7

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.
To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
  1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
  4. On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
  5. If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

     
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).
Click the partition that you want to format and click Format.
If you have more than one partition on this hard drive and want to get rid them to make one big drive again, then select a partition and click on the Delete option for each partition. Once you have deleted all of the partitions, select the Unallocated Space partition and click Format.
Pick the formatting option that you want.
When you've finished formatting, click Next.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
If you do not want to reinstall Windows 7, you can cancel the installation at this point and keep your newly formatted drives.

How to Format a Computer with Windows Vista

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.
To format your hard disk during Windows Vista installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows Vista installation disc or USB flash drive.
  1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows Vista installation disc, and then shut down your computer.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
  4. On the Install Windows page, follow any instructions that are displayed, and then click Install now.
  5. If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start Windows from a CD or DVD.
On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. You will need an Internet connection to get installation updates.
On the Type your product key for activation page, do one of the following:
  1. If you are reinstalling Windows Vista, you should enter your product key now.
  2. If you are not reinstalling Windows Vista, you can skip this step.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).
Click the partition that you want to format and click Format
If you have more than one partition on this hard drive and want to get rid them to make one big drive again, then select a partition and click on the Delete option for each partition. Once you have deleted all of the partitions, select the Unallocated Space partition and click Format
Pick the formatting option that you want.
When you've finished formatting, click Next.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows Vista, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
If you do not want to reinstall Windows Vista, you can cancel the installation at this point and keep your newly formatted drives.

How to Format a Computer with Windows XP

    Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.
  1. The first step in learning how to format a computer with Windows XP or 2000, is to insert Windows CD and restart your computer.
  2. Your computer should automatically boot from the CD to the Windows Setup Menu.
  3. At the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.
  4. Press F8 to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement.
  5. If an existing Windows XP installation is detected, you are prompted to repair it. To bypass the repair, press ESC.
  6. Use the ARROW keys to select the partition or the unpartitioned space where you want to create a new partition. Press D to delete an existing partition, or press C to create a new partition.
  7. Type the size in megabytes (MB) that you want to use for the new partition, and then press ENTER, or just press ENTER to create the partition with the maximum size.
  8. Select the format option that you want to use for the partition (Recommended: NTFS), and then press ENTER.
  9. After the Windows Setup program formats the partition, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to continue installing Windows.

How to Format with Windows 95, 98, or ME

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.
To reinstall Windows, you need a Startup Diskette and a Windows Installation CD.
Download the Startup Diskette Creator
Note: We recommend using the Startup Diskette available on this page. Other Windows Startup Diskettes may not work with the following steps.
  1. Insert the Startup Diskette into the floppy drive and restart your computer.
  2. Select option #1 - Start the computer with CD-ROM support.
  3. After a minute or so, you will see "A:>_".
  4. Type "fdisk" and press Enter.
  5. If asked to enable large disk support, select Y for Yes. (Note: Some versions of Windows 95 may not be compatible with large disk support. Select N here if it does not support the FAT32 file system.)
  6. Select Option #1 - Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive.
  7. Select Option #1 - Create Primary DOS Partition.
  8. The drive integrity will be verified.
  9. Unless you are planning to make multiple partitions, select Y when asked if you want to use the maximum available size for the partition and to make the partition active.
  10. The drive integrity will be verified again.
  11. When completed press the Esc key to exit fdisk.
  12. Without removing the floppy disk, press the reset button on the computer or press the keys Ctrl then Alt then
    Delete and release them together. This will restart the computer.
  13. Again, select the option to Start the computer with CD-ROM support.
    14. When you see A:>, directly above it is a message about your CD-ROM drive. It will tell you the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive, take note of it.
  14. At the A:>, type "format C:" and press Enter.
  15. Press the Y key then the enter key when asked if you want to proceed with the format.
  16. The format will probably take some time, so be patient.
  17. You will be asked to choose a Volume Label, which is a name for your hard drive. It has no effect on the operation of your computer, you may choose any name you like.

Reinstalling older versions of Windows

How to Reinstall Windows XP

  1. To reinstall Windows XP or 2000, imply insert Windows CD and restart your computer.
  2. If your hard drive has not been formatted, Windows XP will walk you through the formatting process described above
  3. Your computer will automatically boot from the CD and begin the installation process

How to Reinstall Windows 95, 98, or ME

  1. After formatting your hard drive as described above, insert the Startup Diskette into the floppy drive and restart your computer.
  2. Select option #1 - Start the computer with CD-ROM support.
  3. After a minute or so, you will see "A:>_".
  4. Place the Windows Install CD into the CD-ROM drive.
  5. Type "E:" (where E is the letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive) and press Enter key.
  6. Type "dir" and press Enter. You will see something like the following:
  7. Volume in drive E is 020409_1121 Directory of E: WIN98_SE 04-09-02 11:21a 0 file(s)0 bytes 1 dir(s)0 bytes free
  8. WIN98_SE is a directory, as indicated by the "" after it.
  9. Type "cd WIN98_SE", replacing WIN98_SE with the result from above, then press the Enter key.
  10. Type "dir" and press the Enter key.
  11. If you see: SETUP somewhere in the output, then type "cd SETUP" and press the Enter key. Otherwise, skip this step.
  12. Type "SETUP" and press the Enter key to begin the Windows setup program.
  13. Simply follow the prompts to install Windows.
  14. Remove the Windows Startup Diskette when prompted.

WipeDrive: Wipe All Data Before Formatting

Deleted files can be recovered even after a computer has been formatted!
A recent study of 129 old hard drives (many of them formatted) revealed more than 5,000 credit card numbers, medical correspondences, love letters, pornography, bank account information, and other confidential data. To protect yourself from identity theft, erase ALL data before formatting a hard drive.
Do you need to know:
How to format a computer before selling or donating a system.
How to format a computer to erase personal data before returning it to an employer.
How to format a computer with an operating system damaged by viruses or spyware.
How to format a computer in compliance with government regulations (including HIPAA).
Learn how to format a computer to US Department of Defense specifications. WipeDrive is one of only five DoD approved products that knows how to format a computer using the DoD 5220.22-M standard for disk sanitation. This standard involves far more than an ordinary drive format and includes multiple overwrites with random characters.

How to Format a Computer Securely With WipeDrive

WipeDrive is an easy-to-use disk sanitizing tool that boots from a CD or floppy disk.
Learning how to format a computer is as easy as inserting the WipeDrive disk and restarting your system.
WipeDrive will automatically load with prompts indicating how to format computer hard drive data to Department of Defense specifications.
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