Q&A for How to Figure Out Why a Computer Won't Boot

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If my computer isn't starting up, how am I supposed to check all these settings?

Community Answer

If the computer isn't booting to a state where you can access all of the settings (not booting to POST, operating system not working) there's probably something wrong with the hardware. If it's giving off a video signal but not showing the usual splash screen, it's probably not passing POST and the BIOS is corrupt to the point that it needs to be replaced. If it doesn't send a signal at all and beeps in an order (2 long beeps, 1 short, ECT) there's something wrong with something plugged into the computer. Try reseating the ram, and if that doesn't work, call technical support for your manufacturer.

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Question

My screen says "Entering into power saving mode" and my PC won't start. What should I do?

Community Answer

This indicates the monitor is powered but not receiving any signal. If the PC itself is not switching on, check to make sure your monitor cable is securely connected at both ends and plugged into the correct graphics port. You can also try connecting from another PC over the network using RDP.

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Question

What do I do if my computer says it can't find a device on start up?

Community Answer

Check that your hard drives are plugged in and functional. If it doesn't work in another computer, the disk is probably bad and you'll need to replace it.

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Question

How can I make the display on the monitor appear?

Community Answer

Verify that the monitor cable is attached correctly and that the computer is plugged in and has power. Listen to hear if the fan in the power supply is running. If not, seek help from a computer specialist.

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Question

I try to turn the computer on, but the screen says it's going to sleep and it shuts off - what could this be?

Community Answer

If the computer turns on but the monitor says it's not getting a signal, first make sure that the monitor, if it has multiple input types, is set to PC. Check to ensure the video cable is securely plugged both into the computer and into the monitor. Check to see that there's not more than one video connection on the computer as well. If everything looks good, you may need to replace the video card in the PC (or install one, if the computer uses on-board video).

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I changed my BIOS settings via ClickBios II within Windows 7, and upon restarting, my screen is black and I can't enter the BIOS. What should I do?

Community Answer

You corrupted the BIOS to the point where it won't boot. Contact the technical support for your manufacturer so they can replace the motherboard, and don't use that program to edit your BIOS again.

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Question

What can cause my computer to boot and then shut down automatically?

Community Answer

There are numerous potential causes of that issue, but the biggest cause might be overheating. The next problem would most likely be a problem in the registry. Try installing a new OS (but make sure to back your files up).

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Question

My laptop keeps taking ages to boot up. There's an error message saying it can't boot up and has to restart. Is there a way to fix this problem?

Community Answer

If it gets past the Bios, reinstall Windows or Linux. If it doesn't get past the Bios, visit a technician.

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How can I reset my laptop language to English from Chinese and reset the password, which is in Chinese?

Community Answer

Take it to a computer repair specialist in case you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

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What do I do if my PC will go beyond the BIOS but will not run my Windows 10 operating system?

Community Answer

You should probably us a bootable linux to backup your data, and then boot from Windows 10 bootable media, and reinstall Windows.

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Question

My PC just won't turn on at all, it stays dead. I've tried removing components and putting them back in, but with no result. What more can I try?

Community Answer

Check to see if anything is inside your USB port. It is possible a screw or wire got loose and needs replaced.

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Question

How do I get past the password screen on a computer?

Community Answer

You will need to enter a valid password or pin code, or use a biometric sensor, such as a finger print reader or face scanner.

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Question

What can I do if my computer says, "can't find any device," on startup?

Community Answer

If you are trying to boot from a hard drive or a USB, or even CD-ROM, try going into bios and setting up the boot order and make sure the one you want to boot from is listed first.

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What do I do if my computer is showing a black screen?

Community Answer

Your motherboard might not be functioning or you may have a problem with the display. The RAM could be another issue.

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What do I do if I turn on my laptop and "No Bootable Device" appears on the screen?

Community Answer

Ensure that you don't have any USB drives (flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) plugged into the laptop, and eject any CDs or DVDs from the drive, if applicable. Check the machine's BIOS (you'll be told the key to enter SETUP when you first turn on the laptop, often DEL or F8) to ensure that the hard drive is in the boot sequence. If all looks good here, the hard drive may have become corrupt or gone bad. Try reinstalling your OS; this should tell you whether the hard drive is detected and usable.

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Question

What do I do if my laptop is stuck in a loop restarting each time it's trying to do recovery installation?

Taylor Parish

Community Answer

You've got a boot loop on your hands. Sometimes it is fixable but most times it is permanent. Sometimes it's just a bad power supply and if it's not that, then try resetting your CMOS battery. On my PC it's a button on the back but my PC was built from scratch. Some motherboards have CMOS reset buttons on them but if resetting the CMOS battery doesn't fix it, you're better off getting a new computer.

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