PC Won’t Turn On? Sydney’s Top Computer Repair Fixes You Should Try First

So, your PC won’t turn on? Don't worry—you're not alone. At Computer Repair Sydney, in Sydney, Australia we’ve seen it all. From simple power supply issues to faulty hardware components, many problems can cause your PC to stay silent. The good news? You can try several simple fixes before heading straight to a repair shop. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top expert-approved solutions that might just bring your computer back to life.

Check the Obvious: Is It Plugged In Properly?

You’d be surprised how often we find that a power cable is loose or not connected at all. Before you panic, make sure:

The power cord is firmly plugged into both the wall socket and the PC.
The power strip or surge protector (if you're using one) is switched on.
Try a different outlet—sometimes it's not your PC, but your power source.

Test the Power Button

Yes, even power buttons can fail. Try holding the power button for 5-10 seconds. If that doesn’t help:

Look for any physical damage or misalignment.
Try turning the system on using the motherboard’s power switch (if you're tech-savvy).

Listen for Beep Codes or Look for LED Signals

Most modern PCs emit beeps or light codes if something’s wrong. These indicators are your PC’s way of telling you what’s happening:

One long beep followed by short beeps could mean a RAM issue.
No beep or light at all? Likely a motherboard or power supply problem.

Check your motherboard manual or search online using your PC model to decode the beeps or lights.

Unplug All External Devices

A faulty USB device can prevent your PC from booting. Disconnect everything except:

Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor

Then try to boot again. If your system powers on—voilà! You’ve found the culprit.

Inspect the Monitor and Display Cable

Sometimes it seems like the PC won’t turn on when, in fact, it’s running but not displaying anything. Check:

The monitor is turned on and set to the right input.
The display cable is securely connected.
Test with a different monitor or cable if possible.

Reset the Power Supply (PSU)

If you're using a desktop PC with a PSU that has a reset switch, flip it off, wait for 30 seconds, and turn it back on.

You can also unplug the power cord, hold down the power button for 15-20 seconds, then plug back in and try again.

Check the RAM and Reseat It

Loose or faulty RAM sticks are common culprits. Here’s how to check:

Open your PC case (safely!).
Locate the RAM sticks and gently remove them.
Clean the contacts with a soft cloth and reseat them properly.

Try booting again with one stick at a time if you have multiple.

Inspect the Power Supply Unit (PSU)

If your PC isn’t powering on at all—no fans, no lights, nothing—it could be the PSU:

Test the PSU with a multimeter or PSU tester.
Swap it with a working one if you have access.
Make sure the PSU voltage selector (if it has one) matches your country’s standard.

Check for Overheating or Dust Buildup

Dust can clog fans and cause overheating, which may trigger an automatic shutdown:

Open the case and clean out dust using compressed air.
Ensure all fans are spinning and the CPU cooler is properly attached.

Disconnect the Hard Drive and Peripherals

A failing hard drive can halt the boot process. Try booting without the drive connected:

If it powers on, your hard drive may need replacing.
Use recovery tools or contact Computer Repair Sydney for data retrieval.

Try Booting into Safe Mode or BIOS

Sometimes the OS isn’t the issue, but the hardware is fine. Check:

If your PC powers up but doesn’t load Windows, try Safe Mode (press F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly).
Enter BIOS/UEFI to confirm your hardware is recognized.

Check the CMOS Battery

The little battery on your motherboard keeps BIOS settings alive. A dead CMOS battery can cause startup issues:

Remove it for 10 minutes, then reinsert or replace it.
Boot again and see if the issue resolves.

Look for Signs of Short Circuits or Damage

Burn marks? Weird smells? These are red flags. Check:

If any components look burnt or melted.
For bent motherboard pins or damaged cables.

Stop here and consult a professional if you notice any physical damage.

Try a Different Motherboard or CPU

We’re entering advanced territory. If all else fails:

It could be a faulty motherboard or CPU.
Try swapping with known working components if available.

This might be the point where you need expert help from Computer Repair Sydney.

When All Else Fails: Call the Pros

If you’ve tried all the above and your PC still refuses to power on, it’s time to reach out for help. At Computer Repair Sydney, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing stubborn tech issues. Whether it's a simple power fix or a complete motherboard replacement, we’ve got your back.

We also offer services like:

Laptop Repair Sydney Service – Fixing startup, heating, or charging issues.
Laptop Screen Repair or Replacement – Broken or flickering screen? We’ll sort it.
Custom Gaming Computer – Get the ultimate performance setup tailored to your needs.