How To Fix A PC Which Won't Boot

moh

Deleted, at user's request.
How To Fix A PC Which Won't Boot
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Computers are the way of the world. But there is nothing more annoying than a broken PC. PC's breakdown from time to time, it happens. This is a guide to repair a desktop computer that won't start up.

1. First of all you have to determine the cause. Constantly restart the PC in order to confirm that it won't boot. Next you should try the PC on it's side to eliminate a connection error. This could either be a burnt out or worn contact or simply a connection which has come loose. After this you can start the process of fixing the problem

2. There are a couple of problems that will cause a computer not to boot these are: Corrupted BIOS, Corrupted Start up files, corrupted hard drive (containing startup files) or a broken motherboard.

3. If absolutely nothing happens when you press the power switch:
* Check that it is plugged in and switched on both at the wall and at the back of the base unit, check that the wall socket has power.
* Check the power supply by removing it and testing it in another machine, if it works fine in another machine, check your power switch connections.
* If the connections are fine it is likely that your motherboard has died.

4. Check for a faulty motherboard.

* Remove every connection and component from your motherboard except for the power, front panel, CPU assembly, RAM and graphics card, switch it on.
* If you have more than one stick of RAM test them one at a time.
* If this works then reconnect your other devices (Switch it off first!) one by one until you find out which one is causing the problem.

5. Replace the Boot Sector.

* Place windows installer disc into drive.
* When prompted, press R to start the recovery console.
* When asked which system you want to log into press 1, then enter.
* You should now have a C:\WINDOWS\ prompt, type fixboot and press enter.
* Type fixmbr and press enter.
* Reboot the machine, if it works, you are done.

6. Check your BIOS settings

* To enter the BIOS menu you must tap a certain key as soon as you switch on the PC, this is usually DEL or F2 but it will say on screen, e.g. 'PRESS DEL FOR SETUP'
* All BIOS menus differ, what you are looking for is a bit called Primary Master, which should have somenumbers after it, if it does, then your drive is not at fault, move on.
* If Primary Master has no information after it your hard drive is not being detected, if you are able, change the setting next to Primary Master so that it says 'Auto'.
* Save and exit the BIOS, if your computer boots, stop here.
* If your hard drive is not detected this time you will need to open up the case and check the connections.

7. Check for a faulty hard drive

* Remove your hard drive and put it in another PC if possible.
* If it does not work in another PC then it is dead, buy a new one.
* If it does work in another PC, try using different cables.
* If different cables make no difference your motherboard may be faulty.


Tips:

* Make sure to buy your components from a reputable dealer, check reviews online and in literature.
* I you have to take the cover off you might as well clean it up a bit, blast all the dust out with a can of compressed air.
* If the PC has stopped working after a recent update (RAM, Hard drive..) remove this and see the problem still exists.
* Remember that Windows XP can only take a maximum of 4 GB of RAM
* If your PC problem is BIOS related, it should boot when the BIOS disc is inserted


Warnings:

* Always turn off and unplug the PC before touching, adding or removing parts within the pc
* Wear an anti-static wrist band or ground yourself by touching the case while the system is plugged in.
* Make sure you do not have excess moisture on your hands, if you get sweaty palms then wear anti-static gloves, e.g. nitrile gloves
* As with any device that plugs into wall current, if during testing you smell ozone or burnt plastic, or hear a "popping" or arcing noise, unplug the device immediatly. Unless you know how to work with electicity safely, an internal short is best repaired by professionals.
 
hey moh, good guide, are you trying to take Gmans' job, in these days of recession, we should be looking after each other, not trying to put each other on the dole. (y)LOL
 
hey moh, good guide, are you trying to take Gmans' job, in these days of recession, we should be looking after each other, not trying to put each other on the dole. (y)LOL

LOL wheelo when Gman comes back im going to be made redundant (when the cat is gone the mice come out to play) LOL
 
lol

We are a community Moh. Not just another run-of-the-mill online forum. We can't just replace each other here, as all of our regular members contribute in their own way.

Good information is appreciated by all, this post included.
 
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