Last updated on Jul 23, 2024
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- Computer Hardware Troubleshooting
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1
Check the power supply
2
Listen for beep codes
3
Remove or replace hardware components
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4
Boot into safe mode or recovery mode
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5
Scan for viruses and malware
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6
Repair or reinstall the operating system
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7
Here’s what else to consider
When your PC fails to boot, you might wonder if it's a hardware or a software issue. How can you tell the difference and troubleshoot the problem? In this article, we'll show you some steps to narrow down the cause and fix the boot failure.
Key takeaways from this article
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Decode beep codes:
Listen for beep patterns when your PC starts. These codes help pinpoint hardware issues—like a video card or RAM problem—without needing to dismantle your computer.
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Clear the CMOS:
If you're tech-savvy, reset the BIOS to default by clearing the CMOS. This can resolve issues caused by incorrect settings, like an accidental overclock.
This summary is powered by AI and these experts
- Zachary Ott Senior Analyst, Critical National…
- Derik Allen Technical Support Tier 3 at Corsair
1 Check the power supply
The first thing to do is to make sure your PC is getting enough power. Check the power cord, the outlet, the surge protector, and the power switch on the back of the case. If you have a laptop, try plugging it in or using a different battery. If you see any lights, fans, or noises, your power supply is probably working. If not, you might need to replace it or test it with a multimeter.
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- Derik Allen Technical Support Tier 3 at Corsair
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These are great steps. You can also check the Front Panel headers. Sometimes in new build people forget to connect these headers and the power button does not work on the case.Make sure you have all cables from your PSU disconnected from the system and then you can jump the 24 pin cable on the PSU to trick the PSU into turning on with pins 4 and 5(PSU_On to Ground). Please refer to a visual guide if you have not done PSU testing before. Alternatively, PSU testers are inexpensive and well worth investing in.On laptops you may want to try removing the battery and just using the power cord for testing. Battery Failures can prevent booting as well.
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2 Listen for beep codes
If your PC has power but still doesn't boot, listen for any beeps that come from the motherboard speaker. These are called beep codes and they indicate what kind of hardware error is preventing the boot. You can look up the meaning of the beep codes on your motherboard manual or online. For example, one long beep and two short beeps might mean a video card problem. If you hear no beeps at all, it could mean a dead motherboard, CPU, or RAM.
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- Zachary Ott Senior Analyst, Critical National Infrastructure at National Grid
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Motherboards without a speaker sometimes show these beep codes with a flashing LED on the motherboard. Newer motherboards may also have built-in LCD screen that displays error codes that can be referenced in the motherboard manual.
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To add to this and Zachary's recommendation, try clearing the CMOS of the computer if you are getting beep codes of POST Code errors. Sometimes a BIOS Setting may be causing the issue such as an overclock. Clearing the CMOS restores the default settings of the motherboard's BIOS.
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Yes, Beep codes comes when the POST process that is run by BIOS, it finding some error while checking Hardware. and the problem is indicated by beep sound.
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3 Remove or replace hardware components
To isolate the faulty hardware component, you can try removing or replacing some parts one by one. Start with the easiest ones, such as the external devices, the RAM sticks, the video card, and the hard drive. If you have more than one of each, try swapping them or using only one at a time. If you remove a part and the PC boots, you've found the culprit. If not, put it back and try another one.
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4 Boot into safe mode or recovery mode
If your PC tries to boot but gets stuck or crashes, it could be a software issue. To diagnose this, you can try booting into safe mode or recovery mode. These are special modes that load only the essential drivers and programs, bypassing any potential conflicts or errors. To access these modes, you need to press a certain key or combination of keys during the boot process. This varies depending on your operating system and PC model, but some common ones are F8, F11, Shift+F8, or Esc.
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5 Scan for viruses and malware
Another possible cause of boot failure is a virus or malware infection. These malicious programs can corrupt or delete important system files, preventing your PC from booting normally. To fix this, you need to scan your PC with an antivirus or anti-malware software. You can do this from safe mode or recovery mode, or use a bootable USB or CD that contains the software. Follow the instructions on the screen to scan and remove any threats.
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6 Repair or reinstall the operating system
If none of the above steps work, you might need to repair or reinstall your operating system. This is the last resort, as it can erase your personal data and settings. To repair your operating system, you need to use a recovery disk or partition that came with your PC or that you created beforehand. This will try to fix any damaged or missing system files without affecting your data. To reinstall your operating system, you need to use an installation disk or USB that contains the same or a newer version of your operating system. This will wipe your hard drive and install a fresh copy of the system.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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- Mike A. Williams Msc Cybersecurity | Security+ | AZ900 | ISC2 CC | Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator: SC300 Candidate | Microsoft Azure Security Engineer: AZ500 Candidate
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Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: Misconfigured settings in the BIOS/UEFI can lead to boot problems. Verify settings related to boot order, hardware detection, or system clock.
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