The first steps in troubleshooting a computer that will not start up is to identify the cause of the problem. In order to do this, you should check the power source, examine the hardware components and examine any software programs that might be related to the issue.
Power Source:
Before attempting to troubleshoot the computer, it is important to ensure that the power source is functional and that the power cable is connected properly.
If possible, try to unplug and then plug the power cable back in to see if the issue still persists.
Also check whether the power button has been properly pressed, as this can sometimes cause the computer to not start up. If all else fails, try replacing the power cable with a new one. If the computer still does not turn on, then the issue may be a hardware or software issue.
Hardware Components:
If the power cable is working, then the underlying issue may be with the hardware components. The most common causes are related to the motherboard, RAM, CPU, and graphics card.
Start by ensuring that all the cables have been firmly plugged into their respective connectors, and that any removable drive bays have been securely fastened.
If everything looks fine, then try reseating the various components, this can help to reestablish any loose connections which may be preventing the computer from starting.
If the computer still doesn’t turn on after this, then the underlying issue may be with the specific component itself. To check whether the component is working, try removing it and testing it in a different computer or with a similar type of component.
Software Programs:
If the hardware components appear to be functioning correctly and the computer still does not start, then the issue may be related to a software program. A common cause is a corrupt driver.
To check for corrupt drivers, open the device manager and look for any yellow exclamation marks next to any listed devices. If there are any, then it means that the driver is either out of date or corrupted.
To update the driver, right-click on the device and select “Update Driver.” Follow the instructions in the wizard to install the latest version.
If the issue is not related to a corrupt driver, then it may be related to a virus or other malicious software. To check for these, run a full system scan using an antivirus and antimalware program.
If the computer still does not turn on after this, then the issue may be related to a program that was recently installed. Try uninstalling any recently installed programs and then restart the computer to see if the issue persists.
Finally, if none of these steps have resolved the issue, then the issue may be due to a hardware failure. In this case, you will need to take the computer to a repair shop to have the issue fixed.