General Troubleshooting Tips for Common Computer Issues
If your computer is not turning on: - Check the back of the computer to make sure the power plug is securely plugged into the computer. The best method to be sure it is properly plugged in is to unplug it and then plug it back in. Do the same for where the power cord is plugged into the power source (wall outlet or power pad or surge protector). If a power pad or surge protector is being used, make sure it is on and all the lights are lit. If the monitor is not turning on: - Check that the plug is firmly plugged into the monitor and that it is plugged into a power source. Again, the best method to be sure it is properly plugged in is to unplug it and then plug it back in. If the power button light is amber (yellow): - Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer and count to 15, plug it back in and try to boot up the machine. This method may not work on computers that have powered devices such as speakers connected via USB. If the computer is not connecting to the network (error message with a red X or your desktop will not load): - Check that the network cable is plugged into the back of the computer (it looks like a telephone plug and there should be blinking lights) and that the other end is plugged into a network drop on the wall.