What to Do When Your Computer Won't Turn On

Few things are more frustrating than sitting down to check your email or pay bills online, pressing the power button on your computer, and getting absolutely nothing in response. No lights, no sounds, no signs of life. Before you panic and assume the worst, take a deep breath. This is one of the most common problems we see at our repair shop, and the good news is that it's often something simple you can fix yourself.

Here in Connecticut, we see this issue spike after summer thunderstorms roll through, especially in older homes throughout Litchfield County and western Connecticut where power surges can wreak havoc on electronics. Even a brief flicker of power can cause problems. But storms aren't the only culprit—sometimes it's just a loose cable or a confused power supply. Let's walk through the most common fixes together, step by step.

Simple Steps to Get Your Computer Running Again

These steps work about 60% of the time for computers that won't turn on. They're safe to try at home and don't require any technical expertise. Give yourself about 15-20 minutes to work through them.

1. Check the obvious stuff first
   Make sure your computer is actually plugged into the wall outlet and that the outlet has power. Try plugging a lamp into the same outlet to verify it works. Also check that the power cable is firmly connected to the back of your computer—these can wiggle loose, especially if you have pets or vacuum regularly. Why this works: About 20% of "won't turn on" problems are simply loose connections or tripped circuit breakers.

2. Try a different outlet
   Plug your computer directly into a wall outlet instead of a power strip or surge protector. If you've been using a surge protector, it may have sacrificed itself during a storm to protect your computer—that's actually what it's designed to do. Why this works: Surge protectors can fail after doing their job, and power strips can wear out or have tripped reset buttons you might not notice.

3. Disconnect everything except the power cable
   Unplug all USB devices, printers, external hard drives, and anything else connected to your computer. Leave only the power cable, monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected. Then try turning it on. Why this works: Sometimes a faulty USB device or peripheral can prevent the whole computer from starting up. This isolates the problem.

4. Hold the power button for 30 seconds
   With the computer unplugged, press and hold the power button down for a full 30 seconds (count it out). This sounds strange, but do it anyway. Then plug the computer back in and try starting it normally. Why this works: This drains all residual electricity from the system and resets the internal components. Think of it like a "hard reset" that clears out electrical hiccups.

5. Check if your monitor is the problem
   Your computer might actually be turning on, but you can't tell because the monitor isn't working. Look for small lights on the front of the computer tower—if they're on, or if you hear fan noise, the computer is probably running. Check that your monitor is plugged in and turned on, and that the cable connecting it to your computer is secure at both ends. Why this works: We see this mix-up all the time. The computer is fine, but folks assume it's broken when actually it's just the display connection.

6. Listen and look for any signs of life
   When you press the power button, pay close attention. Do you hear any beeps? See any lights flash briefly? Hear fans spin for a second then stop? These clues help determine what's wrong. Write down exactly what you observe—this information is valuable if you need to call for help. Why this works: Different patterns of beeps or lights are like error codes that tell technicians exactly where to look.

7. Let it rest
   If nothing has worked so far, unplug the computer and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Sometimes components need time to fully reset after a power surge. Then try starting it again fresh. Why this works: Electronic components can "lock up" and need time to completely discharge and reset themselves.

Still Not Working?

If you've tried all these steps and your computer still won't turn on, you're likely dealing with one of these more serious issues:

• Failed power supply: The power supply is the component that converts electricity from your wall outlet into power your computer can use. These can burn out from age or power surges, and they need to be replaced by someone with experience.
• Motherboard damage: The motherboard is the main circuit board inside your computer. Storm damage or electrical surges can fry components on this board, which requires diagnostic equipment to identify and repair.
• Failed internal components: Memory modules, hard drives, or other internal parts can fail in ways that prevent the computer from starting up at all.

These aren't DIY repairs for most people. The parts need to be tested and diagnosed properly, and working inside a computer requires some technical knowledge to avoid making things worse.

---

STILL HAVING PROBLEMS?

Don't waste more time troubleshooting. Call Chapin Business Services at (203) 262-1869.

✓ Same-day service often available
✓ We come to you (house calls)
✓ Serving Southbury, Danbury, Waterbury, Litchfield County, and all of western Connecticut
✓ Real human answers the phone

25+ years serving Connecticut families and small businesses.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my computer from storm damage?

Use a quality surge protector (replace it every 3-5 years) and unplug your computer during severe thunderstorms if you're home. Consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery backup, which not only protects against surges but also gives you time to save your work and shut down properly during power outages.

Is it worth repairing an old computer, or should I buy new?

It depends on the age and the problem. If your computer is less than 5 years old and just needs a power supply replacement, repair makes sense. If it's 8+ years old with multiple failing parts, replacement might be more cost-effective. We're always honest about this—we'll tell you when buying new makes more sense than repairing.

How long do desktop computers typically last?

With proper care, a desktop computer should last 5-7 years for typical home use. You might need to replace individual components during that time (like a power supply or hard drive), but the overall system should serve you well. Laptops typically have shorter lifespans of 3-5 years due to battery wear and less upgradability.

What's the difference between a power supply problem and a motherboard problem?

A failed power supply usually means the computer shows no signs of life at all—no lights, no fans, nothing. Motherboard problems can vary more: you might see lights but no display, hear beeping sounds, or have the computer start and immediately shut off. A technician can test the power supply separately to determine which component has failed.