This wikiHow teaches you how to diagnose and repair a Windows computer that won't complete the boot process. While it's usually the hardware that causes the computer to not start, the software installed on the computer can also be the cause.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems
Step 1. Understand that most hardware problems can't be fixed right away
If your computer really won't start, it's best to take it to computer service rather than fix it yourself.
Fortunately, most hardware-related problems occur because the device is not firmly plugged in, or there is a faulty component. Hard disks (hard drives) usually do not have problems so your data will be safe
Step 2. Back up your computer's hard disk
Before making any important repairs, it's a good idea to back up your files. Do this by removing the hard drive from the computer, plugging it into another computer using an IDE to USB adapter (use a SATA to USB adapter for older production hard drives). Next, back up the contents of the hard disk using the computer.
Step 3. Check the power cord
Maybe this is a trivial thing, but double check that the power cord is plugged in, and whether the wall outlet can work.
- Plug the computer directly into a wall outlet to check if the problem is with the surge protector (a long line of power that protects equipment from electrical surges) or the power strip (a cable that has multiple electrical sockets).
- If you are using a laptop, make sure the power adapter is properly connected.
Step 4. Try using another monitor
If your computer starts up, but the screen doesn't show anything, your monitor may have a problem. Double-check the cables connected to the monitor, and try using another monitor if possible.
Step 5. Take out the laptop battery and plug in the power adapter
You can still run the laptop without using the battery by connecting it to a power source. If the laptop turns on when the battery is removed, it means the battery has a problem. Contact the manufacturer for a replacement battery.
Step 6. Open the computer if you are using a desktop computer
Open the computer case to check the connections inside and test the power supply.
- Don't forget to ground yourself by wearing an antistatic wrist strap or touching the metal of the case before you touch the components inside.
- While you can inspect laptops for problematic hardware, most laptops cannot be handled by non-experts. We recommend that you take it to a computer service.
Step 7. Check the power supply cable
Make sure the cable connecting the power supply (the box where you plug the power cord) to the motherboard is firmly plugged in.
Step 8. Check the power supply.
Older production power supplies tend to fail, but they can be easily tested. The power supply is the device that most often causes problems related to the computer boot process.
Step 9. Replace the power supply if necessary
If the power supply doesn't work after you've tested it, try replacing it so the computer can start again.
Step 10. Check for loose screws
If any screws are loosened inside the case, this can cause a short circuit on the motherboard. Gently shake the case and listen for metal rattling. Use your fingers or tweezers to remove the screws from inside the case.
Step 11. Check the cable
Look for cables that have peeled off the protective film. Exposed wires can also cause a short circuit. Severely damaged cables may need to be replaced.
Step 12. Unplug and re-plug the computer components
Try unplugging and re-plugging a few components like the graphics card, RAM chip, and all cable connections. If there are components that are loose, maybe this can interfere with the boot process of the computer.
You can also unplug and plug the processor back in, but this is difficult. In addition, it is rare for the processor to cause problems with the computer. This action can also damage the processor making the computer completely unstartable
Step 13. Try unplugging the graphics card
If you have a dedicated graphics card installed, try removing it. Next, connect the monitor via the motherboard's built-in display connection. A faulty graphics card can make the computer unable to boot.
You can install a new graphics card if needed
Step 14. Unplug hardware that doesn't really matter
Try to boot the computer with only the hardware that is most needed. So you'll need to unplug the graphics card, additional drives, PCI expansion cards, and extra RAM chips. Once everything is removed, try restarting the computer.
If the computer starts up with critical hardware installed, reassemble the other components one at a time to test if any problems occurred when you installed them
Step 15. Leave the computer to the experts
If the computer still won't start using the main hardware, you'll need to replace the faulty hardware, take the computer to a repair shop, or buy a new computer.
Method 2 of 2: Solving Software Problems
Step 1. Try turning on the computer
Press the button Power
on the computer.
If the computer does not start, try troubleshooting the hardware problem as described above
Step 2. Hold down Shift while the computer boots
This will bring up a menu with several advanced options.
This menu contains advanced options in the form of a blue screen with white text and options. If this menu does not open, restart the computer while holding down Shift
Step 3. Click Troubleshoot
This option is on the "Choose an option" screen.
Step 4. Click on Advanced options at the top of the screen
Step 5. Click Start-up Repair
This option is on the left side of the screen.
Step 6. Choose your account name
Select the account name in the center of the screen.
Step 7. Type in the password
Type in the password used to log in to the computer, and click Continue.
Click Continue if you don't use a password.
Step 8. Allow Windows to diagnose the computer
This takes a few minutes.
Step 9. Follow the instructions shown on the screen
Depending on the problem with your computer, you may be asked to do a number of things to fix the problem, although it's more likely that the computer itself will fix the problem.
Step 10. Reset the computer
If Start-Up Repair doesn't fix the problem, you may need to reinstall Windows. Be sure to back up any important files that you want to keep, then do the following:
- Reopen the " Choose an option " menu while holding down the Shift key.
- Click Troubleshoot
- Click Reset this PC
-
Click Keep my files
If this option still fails to solve the problem, you can reset the computer again using the remove everything.
- Confirm your choice, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 11. Reinstall Windows with the installation media
If the repair options you run do not fix the problem, the only option left is to reinstall Windows using a disc (DVD) or a removable disc (USB drive). This will format the computer and erase all data on the hard drive. So it's best if you make this a last resort:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
Tips
- Unless you're very familiar with electrical problems, it's a good idea to take a computer that's having a short-circuit problem to a specialist.
- Failure to boot can be caused by many things, from dust to corrupt system files. So diagnosing a problem can be not an easy challenge.
Warning
- Wear an antistatic wrist strap or ground yourself by touching the case when the system is plugged in.
- Always turn off and unplug the PC from the power source before you touch the internal components of the computer.
