Computer Won't Start? Which of the 4 Problems You Have

Updated November 4, 2026 · The Computer Hospital, Midtown Houston

"My computer won't start" is one of the most common things we hear at the counter — and it can mean four very different problems. Each has its own causes and its own repair. Figuring out which kind of "won't start" you have is the first step, and it tells you a lot about what the fix will involve.

The four kinds of "won't start"

1. Won't power on — nothing happens at all.
2. Won't POST — it powers on, but never shows the logo.
3. Won't boot — you see the logo, but Windows or macOS never loads.
4. Boots, then blue screens — it starts, then crashes.

1. Won't power on: no lights, no fans, nothing

Power isn't getting where it needs to go.

• Common causes: a dead power adapter or cable, a failed power supply (desktops), a fully drained or failed battery (laptops), a bad power button, or a fault on the motherboard's power circuit — often after a power surge or a spill.
• Try safely: a different wall outlet (skip the power strip), check the cable at both ends, and on laptops let it charge for 30 minutes. On a desktop, check the switch on the back of the power supply.
• Typical repair: a new adapter or power supply, a battery or charging-port repair, or board-level repair. See laptop won't charge.

2. Won't POST: lights and fans, but no picture

POST is the computer's power-on self-test — the check it runs before showing the manufacturer logo. If the fans spin and lights come on but you never see the logo, it's failing that test.

• Common causes: memory (RAM), the graphics card, the motherboard or processor, or a corrupted BIOS. On a laptop, it could also simply be the screen.
• Try safely: connect an external monitor or TV. If a picture appears there, the computer works and the problem is the display — see cracked laptop screen. Listen for beep codes or watch for blinking lights and note the pattern.
• Typical repair: testing and replacing the failed part. Your files are usually safe — the drive isn't the problem at this stage.

3. Won't boot: logo, then stuck

The hardware passes its self-test, but Windows or macOS can't load.

• What you see: "No boot device," "Preparing Automatic Repair" over and over, a spinning circle that never ends, or a black screen with a blinking cursor.
• Common causes: a failing hard drive or SSD (very common), a Windows update that went wrong, or damaged startup files.
• Do not keep restarting, and don't choose "Reset this PC." If the drive is failing, every restart makes recovery harder.
• Typical repair: a free drive test first. If the drive is weak, we back up your files (failing-drive backup from $150), replace the drive and restore your system. If the drive is healthy, we repair Windows or reinstall it (Windows reinstall $79 Internet Special, regularly $125). See hard drive warning signs.

4. Boots, then blue screens

Windows starts, then crashes to a blue "Your PC ran into a problem" screen — sometimes right away, sometimes after a few minutes.

• Common causes: a bad driver or update, failing memory, a failing drive, or overheating.
• Try safely: write down the stop code on the blue screen (or take a photo). Think about what changed — a new program, an update, a new device.
• Typical repair: memory and drive testing, rolling back a bad update or driver, cleaning out dust, or a Windows repair. See freezing and blue screens.

What happens when you bring it in

1. Free limited diagnostic. We figure out which of the four problems you have and what's causing it.
2. Your files come first. If the drive is involved, we secure your data before any repair.
3. A clear quote before any paid work, and an honest answer if replacing the computer makes more sense than repairing it.

Repair labor is backed by our 90-day labor warranty; parts carry their own warranty.

Frequently asked questions

My computer turns on but the screen stays black. What's wrong?

It's either failing its power-on self-test (memory, graphics, motherboard) or the screen itself has failed. Try an external monitor — if you get a picture, it's the screen.

It keeps saying "Preparing Automatic Repair." What should I do?

Stop restarting it. That loop is often caused by a failing drive. Have the drive tested and your files backed up before trying repairs.

Will I lose my files?

Usually not, if you stop before resets and repeated restarts. In most "won't start" cases the files are still on the drive and can be recovered.

Is it worth fixing an older computer that won't start?

Often, yes — many causes are a single part. We'll tell you if the repair costs more than the computer is worth.

Computer won't start? Bring it to 3512 Travis Street in Midtown — no appointment needed for in-shop visits — or call (713) 472-4357. Pickup, diagnosis and return delivery inside Beltway 8 is $99.

Related: computer repair · data recovery · slow computer