Desktop PC will not start, or beeps
Press the button and nothing happens, or fans spin and the screen stays black, or the PC beeps and stops. A desktop is a set of separate parts, and usually only one has failed.
Likely causes
- Power supply. No lights or fans at all.
- Memory. Beeps, or fans with no picture.
- Graphics card. Picture missing on a PC with a separate card.
- Motherboard. When everything else has been ruled out.
Try this first
- Check the switch on the back of the power supply and the mains lead at both ends.
- Count any beeps or light flashes: the pattern names the part.
- If there are two memory modules, try starting with one at a time.
What it costs
A bench diagnostic is £54, deducted from the repair if you go ahead, and you get the price before any work starts. A power supply or memory module is a quick, inexpensive repair. See PC and server repair. Send an enquiry, or see the price list.