How to Diagnose a Dead Computer

When a computer is dead or it won't power on, there may be a number of reasons. In this article I will discuss how to identify the problem if your computer won't turn on.

Power Cables

Make sure that your computer is properly plugged in the appropriate power outlet. A computer may look dead if the power cables are loose or the outlet itself is loose. Check your connections then try switching the computer on again.

Then try to make sure that your computer is plugged to the appropriate power rating. If your computer is rated 220 volts, plug it in a 220 outlet. If it is 110 volts put it in a 110. Plugging it in a wrong rating will cause damage and add even more problems

Also check the wires if they are not damaged. Sometimes they suddenly get damaged. One cause is rats. They tend to chomp on anything. Or if they are moved often, the wires tend to be grounded. This is more common on thinner wires.

Internal connections

When a wire inside your computer is loosely connected and if it is supposed to be connected to a essential component then your computer may not turn on. Check that all connections before proceeding.

Power Supply Unit

If your computer is dead, power my not be coming into the motherboard. The power supply unit is responsible for transforming the power coming from the outlet (or an Automatic voltage regulator or an uninterruptible power supply unit) to the appropriate current that your computer can handle.

It distributes electricity throughout all the components of your computer so if it is damaged, your computer will not turn on.

But before you buy a new one, try switching Power supply units first to make sure that it is the PSU that is the problem. If after changing your computer turns on then buy a new PSU. If it does not turn on then the problem is in your mother board.

The Mother Board

Your mother board is responsible for transmission of signals and data throughout your computer. If your mother board is damaged, then your computer will not turn on. This is because your computer components are linked by the mother board. And if this link is broken then the signals won't be able to travel through your computer. So when you try to turn it on, it will not respond

Be sure to check your computer components order from the most probable cause to the least. Power lines or cords first, the internal wiring connections, then the power supply unit, lastly the mother board. Mother boards are least likely to get damaged. So check carefully and make sure to practice proper precautions when touching internal components.