Q&A for How to Repair a Computer

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you fix a computer that won't boot up?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

Double-check the AC adapter. If your laptop isn’t turning on, double-check that the AC adapter is functional and connected properly to the machine. Try plugging the AC adapter into another electrical outlet. Try using another compatible AC adapter or power cord. If the AC adapter is fine, you can try finding a schematic of the computer online and see if you can short where the power button attaches and get power running through the machine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
Question

Can a computer screen be fixed?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, but it will depend upon the model how easy it is, how much it will cost. Laptops with easy to replace screens still exist, but are becoming less common. If you're trying to repair an ultrabook, tablet or a Macbook, it will probably be time consuming, require special tools and be easy to mess up, so you are probably better off taking it to a repair store. However, if you do it yourself you can save a lot of money. Look up a tutorial for replacing the screen on your model and give it a try if you think you can handle it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12
Question

How do you troubleshoot a computer?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

That depends on the type of problem that you're having, but you can check out How to Troubleshoot a Computer which can help you with many common problems.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 9
Question

My PC doesn't start in Safe Mode or in Normal. What can I do?

Community Answer

You'll have to reload Windows. Boot from USB or DVD drive (depending on your Windows installation), downloading from Microsoft and creating on another device, if necessary. When Windows installation begins, be sure to attempt a recovery install. It should find your previous Windows installation and try to use as much of it as possible.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 36
Question

How can I repair my Dell laptop?

Community Answer

That depends on what is wrong with it. Try Googling the issue first.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 24
Question

Can I fix my computer on my own?

Community Answer

Depending on what the problem is and how well you can teach yourself some repair skills, yes. However, some problems might be above your abilities, in which case you may need to take the computer into a shop to have it repaired.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 20
Question

How do I recover data from a corrupt hard drive?

Community Answer

If the partition table is corrupt, the hard drive cannot be accessed. If the master boot record is messed up, you may be able to access it through the "Open" or "Save as" dialog boxes in Notepad in the Windows Setup Command Prompt window. Type "notepad" to open Notepad and click on File > Open or File > Save As to recover files from that drive.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 23
Question

Is it possible to run too many scans on my laptop?

Community Answer

Many scans running at once could really lag your computer, and some of the scans out there are just designed to get a virus into your computer, so choose the ones you run wisely.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 32
Question

How can I speed up the virus-cleaning process?

Community Answer

Let it take its time. Use reliable programs like Malwarebytes, Avast, AVG, or Bitdefender. Your antivirus software might give you an option for a 'quick scan' or something similar, so you could choose that if you just want the most basic scan. But if you want a thorough cleanup, it will take a while, and you have to be patient.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 23
Question

My computer is on (I hear the CPU fan running). It's a Windows 7 HP. It says monitor is going to sleep every time I try to turn it on. It shows a yellow light in monitor and never starts up. What is wrong?

Терентий Малышев

Community Answer

The monitor is faulty, or the computer's video system is broken. Try calling HP support and asking for help.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 19
Question

How do I start my computer when the power button is not working?

Терентий Малышев

Community Answer

There are usually some pins on the MOBO that go to the power button. Disconnect them and put something conductive in between. Consult your MOBO manufacturer for the location.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 13
Question

What if there is no light either on keyboard or on the mouse?

Терентий Малышев

Community Answer

There aren't always led lights on the keyboard. The mouse may be faulty. rReplace both if you want to.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

My laptop indicates, "Can not connect to the internet." What could be wrong? What can I do?

Community Answer

Turn off the Internet, either at the wall if you have a router or on the computer, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on, and try to connect again. If this doesn't work, contact your service provider.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
Question

My display screen shows only half a screen. How do I fix this?

Community Answer

Try to remove your video card. If the video card is a problem, then change it. Change your monitor if the monitor is the problem.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Is a motherboard something that can be repaired?

Community Answer

No. It is better to take your computer to the nearest service shop.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
Question

My computer is p4 presser, is that very bad?

Community Answer

It depends on the operating system. Windows XP is the last update you can make.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6
Question

How can I tell if the cables are connected to my computer?

Community Answer

Locate the ports in your computer and check to make sure that wires are plugged into them all the way.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

What do I do if my CPU is not working?

Artur Bako

Community Answer

First, try fixing the fans. If you can see lights or hear fans spinning, you must change your CPU. It is better to take your computer to the nearest service shop.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Why is it that my computer does not turn on, and the monitor displays "no signal"?

Community Answer

If the computer does not turn on, it will not output a signal. Therefore, the monitor has no signal to display. Try changing the video card on your computer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What do I do if my OS doesn't load on my computer?

Терентий Малышев

Community Answer

Your computer may not support the OS. If it's brand new, try a different one. If it has been working, try booting from a live CD/USB drive.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What if my laptop won't operate without update data?

Community Answer

Contact customer support, or you can go to the troubleshooting section of your OS.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What do I do if I am unable to enter my password on my laptop?

Community Answer

If you're unable to enter it due to keyboard issues, you could hook up a USB keyboard to use instead of the built-in one. If the issue is that you don't remember your password, you'll likely have to reload.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What do I do if my CPU is not working?

Community Answer

Go to Pricewatch and pick a replacement. Get the CPU part number off its top cover. You may be able to find a good price on eBay, but check the reputation of the person or outfit before buying. If the computer is a laptop, the CPU may be soldered in, making replacement difficult or even impossible. Consult a technician at a computer repair place.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I repair my computer if the startup repair can't fix the problems?

Community Answer

You'll have to reinstall the OS; when doing so, try using the repair option first.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

The picture on the screen is sideways, how can I get it upright?

Community Answer

On Windows, try using Ctrl+Alt+Down or navigating to the display settings to change the orientation to landscape.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I repair my laptop if the display doesn't show when I turn the computer on?

Community Answer

Try plugging it into a TV using an HDMI cable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I repair a computer if it started smoking when I turned it on?

Community Answer

In this instance, turn it off immediately. Then take it to a repairer, explain what has happened and let them solve the problem. It is too dangerous to try to do this yourself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I repair my computer if it constantly says "verifying dmi pool data" when I start it?

Community Answer

There is nothing wrong with you're computer if it says Verifying DMI Pool Data when you start it. Unless you built it yourself, it will most likely say this. If you built it yourself and if it has no OS on it it, then it will probably say when you turn it on Verifying DMI Pool Data and nothing else and might put you in the BIOS Setup Utility (BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System). And if the computer is from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) from like HP, Dell, and so on, then it shouldn't be saying this, so contact the manufacturer direct.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

My computer desktop screen will not turn on. It's just a black screen. What can I do?

Jelly Lamb

Community Answer

It may have a dead battery. Plug in the charger and try turning it on again. If that doesn't work, you can search online with your computer brand/model to see if others are having similar issues.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My PC loads up but goes straight to "enter supervisor's password" and I can't get past this as I don't know it.

Sandy Chou

Community Answer

Contact the owner for the supervisor password. The PC may belong to the owner so they set a password to it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0