A computer that won't turn on can have a very simple cause, or a much more complex one. Before bringing it to a technician, we recommend checking these basics first.
For desktop computers
1. Check the power cable
Make sure the cable is firmly connected at both the tower and the wall socket. Try a different socket. If you're using a power strip, check it's switched on and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped.
2. The power supply switch
Most power supplies have a switch on the back marked "0" and "I". Make sure it's set to "I" (on).
3. The power supply unit itself
If the computer shows absolutely no sign of life (no lights, no fans), the power supply could be the culprit. It's one of the parts most likely to fail over time.
For laptops
1. Try without the battery
Plug the charger in directly (removing the battery first, if removable) and try to power on. If it starts, the battery is dead. If it still doesn't start, it could be the charger or the motherboard.
2. Check the charger
Does the charger's LED light up? Does the laptop show a charging symbol? If not, try a different compatible charger.
3. Power reset
Unplug the charger, remove the battery (if removable), hold the power button for 30 seconds, then plug back in. This discharges the capacitors and sometimes clears a firmware lock-up.
4. Do any LEDs light up even though the screen is black?
It could be a screen problem rather than the motherboard. Try connecting an external monitor to rule that out.
When to call a technician
If none of the checks above solves the problem, it's time to bring it in. We run the diagnosis for free and tell you exactly what's wrong before quoting for the repair.