Computer won't boot
Summary
This article will apply to both desktops and laptops.
The symptoms may include:
- Won't boot
- Stuck on boot, keeps spinning
- Blue or black screen
Troubleshooting
Laptop
1. If it does not boot at all.
a) Make sure the laptop has power. Your power adapter should have a power indicator to let you know it's charging.
b) If docked, try undocking it and powering it up without any attachments including flash drives and dongles.
c) If you don't use a docking station, unplug everything as mentioned above including the power adapter and try powering it on.
d) Last resort. This is called a hard shutdown/reset. Holding down the power button for 30 seconds will reset the laptop. It's possible it'll power on before 30 seconds, if so release the power button. If it doesn't, please ensure you hold it down for 30 seconds. Don't guess, use a timer.
2. Stuck during boot. The icon keeps spinning. This could be the result of Windows failing to update, stuck on a process, or failing to resume from standby or sleep.
a) First, it's best to allow it to spin for several minutes. Sometimes Windows is in the process of resuming, updating, or repairing. 10-20 minutes is usually sufficient.
b) If it's still spinning after several minutes, you'll need to perform a hard shutdown. Look at Step 1d above.
3. Blue or black screen. Sometimes known as the Blue Screen of Death. This usually happens because Windows crashes.
a) In some cases, it's recoverable if you try rebooting the computer.
b) If it's stuck, you can try step 1d.
c) If all else fails, you'll need to create a ticket with IT. It's possible the Windows Operating System is corrupt. The IT department will determine a course of action.
Desktop
Desktops will be similar to laptops in the way it performs. The only difference is that it doesn't have a built-in battery like a laptop. The only exceptions are the Work Station on Wheels (WOWs). The computer in WOWs is powered by a battery in the cart itself. It doesn't quite behave the same as a laptop.
1. If it does not boot at all.
a) Is the computer plugged in? The computer will use a barrel connecter power adapter that plugs into the backside of the computer. It's located on the back right side.
b) Check the power adapter itself. It comes in two pieces, the plug, and the power adapter. It's possible the plug has separated from the power adapter. Make sure it's snug.
c) Check the power source. Is it plugged into a surge protector or outlet? It should be plugged into a surge protector. It's possible the surge protector is bad, or it's tripped. If tripped, it will have a RESET.
d) Is it the outlet itself? Outlets will connect to an electrical box in the building. If it tripped, then your building maintenance people will need to look at it. You'll need to create a facility ticket with them.
e) Last resort. This is called a hard shutdown/reset. Holding down the power button for 30 seconds will reset the dekstop. It's possible it'll power on before 30 seconds, if so release the power button. If it doesn't, please ensure you hold it down for 30 seconds. Don't guess, use a timer.
2. Stuck during boot. The icon keeps spinning. This could be the result of Windows failing to update, stuck on a process, or failing to resume from standby or sleep.
a) First, it's best to allow it to spin for several minutes. Sometimes Windows is in the process of resuming, updating, or repairing. 10-20 minutes is usually sufficient.
b) If it's still spinning after several minutes, you'll need to perform a hard shutdown. Look at Step 1e above.
3. Blue or black screen. Sometimes known as the Blue Screen of Death. This usually happens because Windows crashes.
a) In some cases, it's recoverable if you try rebooting the computer.
b) If it's stuck, you can try step 1e.
c) If all else fails, you'll need to create a ticket with IT. It's possible the Windows Operating System is corrupt. The IT department will determine a course of action.
Related Article
Unresponsive Applications