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Wall to Component Diagnostics
The oldest and best method for troubleshooting any computer problem is the wall-to-component method. This means starting from the electrical wall outlet that your computer
is plugged into and working your way to the problem. This may seem elementary but I assure you it may be something as simple and the electrical cord being kicked out of the wall socket.
Don’t feel stupid! Trust me, not having power to the computer happens more often than you think.
Next, check your surge suppressor, I’m sure you have one. You know, the device that your monitor, computer and printer are plugged into to avoid any electrical spikes that may occur. Oh, and by the way, if lightening strikes the surge suppressor will not help. Make sure the surge suppressor is working properly. Once the above two items have been checked and they are both working, check the on/off light on your computer. Also check to see if the cooling fan on the computers power supply is operating. If there is no light or the fan on the back of your computer is not spinning, its a sure bet that the power supply in your computer is bad. Even if you are getting power to the computer and the fan is not spinning, turn your computer off and replace the power supply. The computer needs the power supply fan to keep the components cool. You should never use the computer without the fan operating correctly.
OK, we know that the PC is plugged in, the surge protector is working properly and the fan on the back of your PC is spinning.
The next step is to diagnose the problem. This will depend on what’s not working. Go back to the main Hardware Page and choose the problem area.
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