My computer won't start

Power light and display check

• Look for a charging light or power light. If the computer seems to be running, check that the separate monitor is switched on and its display cable is connected.

Blank screen, logo or Windows error

• Notice whether the screen stays completely blank, shows the maker's logo, or reaches a Windows error. These point to different stages of startup.

Blue screen during startup

• If a blue screen appears, note any stop code or message before the computer restarts. A photo of the screen helps. Do not install a random blue-screen fixer from an advert.
• Safe checks stop once you have the message and a note of when it appears. Repeated forced restarts can make file recovery harder if storage is failing.

Computer freezes on startup

• Note whether the picture freezes on the maker logo, a spinning dots screen, or after you sign in. Say whether the keyboard or mouse still respond.
• One careful restart is enough for a first check. If it freezes again the same way, stop cycling power and arrange laptop or onsite repair rather than guessing at parts.

No power at all

• Confirm the wall outlet works with another device, and that a laptop charger or desktop power lead is fully seated. Note whether any light comes on at the charger brick or computer.
• No light and no fan is different from a blank screen with lights on. Do not open a power supply or keep trying a damaged lead. Hands-on power work belongs on a laptop repair visit or an onsite desktop check.

Startup loop

• A startup loop restarts before you reach the desktop, often after an update or a crash. Note how far it gets and whether an update or recovery screen appears.
• Do not interrupt a screen that clearly says updates are installing. If it restarts past the same point several times with no progress, stop and ask for help before resetting or reinstalling.

When to stop and ask for help

Stop trying to start equipment after a spill, burning smell or visible battery swelling. Do not open the power supply or keep reconnecting a damaged charger. If the computer holds your only copy of important files, discuss that before resetting or reinstalling anything.

What we can check with you

We can assess whether the fault involves power, the display, storage or the operating system, then discuss repair options and the files that need protecting. Hands-on work goes through laptop repairs or onsite computer repair, not a separate fault page.

If a laptop has lights but no picture, will not charge or cuts out, see laptop repairs.

For a Mac stuck on the Apple logo or after a failed macOS update, see Mac and MacBook repairs.

For a desktop or a setup that is hard to move, ask about onsite computer repair.

If the drive holds your only copy of important files, read about data recovery before anyone resets or reinstalls it.

Before any repair, read how to prepare your computer for repair so your files and access are sorted first.

Your PC FIX-IT contact is Mark Zoro Segec. Tell him what you have already tried before arranging the next step.

Official guidance

• Microsoft's blank-screen guide: For a Windows computer that has power but no usable picture. Ask us before following recovery steps if your files are not backed up.

What to have ready

1. Note any lights, sounds or error messages. A photo of the screen can help.
2. Tell us the make and model, and whether anything changed before the problem started.
3. Let us know if important files are only stored on this computer before any repair is planned.

Talk through the options

Describe the problem, your suburb and the best way to reach you. We will discuss what help is appropriate and arrange a time if a visit is needed.

Get a quote before we start

Same-day, next-day and urgent call-outs available. Travel fees may apply for locations more than one hour from Perth CBD. Confirm the scope and total cost before work starts.