My Computer won’t switch on!!!!!!!  

The plaintive cry often heard by so many IT Technicians that nearly always brings a wry smile to their face.  The panic in the voice of the user, as they describe the urgency of getting access to their data and the gamut of other emotions they are running through in their panic.

Well Don’t Panic!!! Don’t Panic!!!!

But so often there really is no need to panic, there is usually a simple explanation and a simple check list you can go through.

• The very first thing to check is that the power is switched on at the wall socket, don’t assume it is, go and physically check it.  All IT technicians have stories of how it costs anything up to £75 for a call out and literally just have to switch it on at the wall.
• Secondly check that your monitor is switched on (power light) and the brightness has not been taken down low.  Sounds daft but it does happen.
• If the computer is connected to an extension socket make sure there is power to the extension.  Many have lights on to indicate they have power and if there are other things connected to the extension see if they are working also. 
• Are you using a surge protector extension?  Some Surge protectors have a trip switch or a reset button. If your building has experienced a power surge you may need to reset the surge protector. If that is the case it is also worth checking the trip switches on your main power supply.
• If you are not using a surge protector and there has been some sort of power failure or fluctuation this may cause a problem as well.  Sometimes after a power failure whilst a computer or device may power off it is possible it can still be holding a residual charge.  The trick here is to physically remove the power cable from the back of the computer for a few seconds.  Replace the power cable and then try and switch on as normal.

How many switches???????

• Never assume that there is only one power switch at the front of your computer, many also have one at the rear, usually close to where you connect the power cable. Check that this has not been switched off accidentally.
• If you have run through all these checks try another power cable, just in case. Pick one from another device you know is working. Power cables rarely break but it can happen.
• The last thing to do is to unplug everything connected to your computer, printers, camera’s etc, take every cable out including the power cable, walk away and go and have a break for 10 minutes.  When you come back connect the monitor, keyboard, mouse and the power cable only, check everything else is ok then switch on. If the computer starts ok then you can power off again and start adding your other devices one at a time.  The reason for this is to try and identify any other device that may be causing a problem.
• If you have tried all of these and your computer still won’t switch on then it’s time to call us!

0845 337 2949