PC101-Personal Computer 101

Why won't my computer boot?!?

Note: This page is under construction


There are many reasons why a computer will suddenly not boot up.   Some examples are:  a corrupted hard disk, a virus has corrupted the system files, computer cables are unplugged, a power problem, incompatible hardware or software was installed,  and many more.  What it does do (if anything) can be clues to what the problem is, e.g. Messages on the screen, any beeps, what it actually does when turned on.

It is best to try and "Think Simple".   By that I mean check the things that are simple and easy to do so first, like: (1) Are all the cables plugged into the computer correctly and tight?

  If nothing at all is happening when you turn the computer on, then maybe you do not have power to the computer and if you do, then maybe your power supply has failed.   Check that the wall plug or power strip you are using is actually working by plugging something else into to check like a small lamp.

If something is happening when you turn the computer on then use that information to troubleshoot the problem.   Are there messages on the screen that might indicate the problem, e.g. "memory failures" or "corrupted home block" or "failed to mount?   Is the computer producing any beeps when it starts?   If it does and it is more than one beep then you should look in your computer or motherboard owners manual for what that indicates (e.g. keyboard not plugged in).  Speaking of the Motherboard, there is a large flat battery on the motherboard for keeping the correct time and basic computer settings even when the computer is unplugged from the wall.   Many computers will not boot if the battery is bad, so if you suspect the battery (maybe you had the computer unplugged from the wall for an extended period or the computer is quite old) then remove it and get it checked and replaced if necessary.  Make sure you have the computer unplugged from the wall power if you attempt to test the battery and/or remove it.   Read your computer and/or motherboard manual on checking and replacing the battery. ( Click here to see what the Clock Battery looks like)

If the computer boots abnormally, e.g. to Safe Mode, then that would indicate that a serious problem has occurred and you need to try and troubleshoot what the problem is and fix it.   If this situation has occurred just after you installed new hardware of software, then try removing whatever that is and see if the computer now boots normally.   While in Safe Mode you can still do many functions, like run your Antivirus software to check for viruses, check file integrity and run System tools and programs to help you find the problem(s).

Of course, if you have computer support you should call them for assistance.

Got questions you would like answered?  Yes

keoni@isp.com