Computer Will Not Turn On - Desktop

Summary

The computer will not turn on. You are looking at a black screen. The instructions below will go over basic troubleshooting steps. Sometimes it can be the simplest thing, but this article will serve as a checklist on what to look for.

Common Symptoms

Black Screen
No Power Light On The Computer
Computer is on, but it appears stuck
Power button is flashing
Computer Is Unplugged or not receiving power

! You can ultimately try holding down the power button up to 30 seconds before trying any of the instructions below.

Instructions

Check ALL cables going in and out of the computer. The computer is square and flat and has multiple cables on the back-side. The computer may be under the monitor or to the side. The monitor is NOT the computer.

Front Side

Back Side

1. BLACK SCREEN - there are several reasons for this.

The monitor is off - press the power button on the monitor. Some are on the right front or back.
The computer is off - you should see the power button illuminated white. If it's not on, press the power button.
The monitor is on, but you're seeing "No DP Signal." The Display Port video cable may be unplugged or not seated properly. Try unplugging and plugging it back in on the computer and/or monitor. Reference picture at bottom of article for video port.
The computer is on - you see a white LED power button, but the screen remains black or frozen. The computer is most likely stuck. Hold the power button down up to 30 seconds. The power light should turn off. Give it a few seconds and turn it back on.

2. NO POWER LIGHT ON THE COMPUTER

No matter what you've tried it's not turning on. Look for the power cable on the back right side of the computer. It's a round barrel type connector, look at picture on step 5. Make sure it's plugged into the computer.
The computer is plugged in. If the previous step was checked, look at the power adapter itself. Follow the power cable to the power adapter. The adapter should be plugged into an outlet or surge protector. Make sure it's plugged and the surge protector is not tripped. If tripped, most surge protectors have a "Reset". You'll know if the surge protector is working by seeing a light.
There is a possibility the power outlet from the wall is not working. Try plugging other things to verify. If it is bad, you'll need to contact your maintenance.
The computer power adapter cord may be disconnected. The cord is detachable. Unplug it from the brick and plug it back in and press firmly. See Step 5.

3. COMPUTER IS ON, BUT IT APPEARS STUCK - you see a light on the power button

This issue may be the Operating System itself. The computer went into standby mode or sleep and it got stuck coming out of it. This may result a black screen, frozen screen, or a black screen where you can move the mouse pointer. For this issue, you'll need to hold the power button down up to 30 seconds to shutdown the computer. Turn it back on after a few seconds.

4. POWER BUTTON IS FLASHING

If the power button is flashing and it's in a pattern, this is a result of a hardware issue. The light will blink in a pattern. Please take note of this and create a ticket with IT. Patterns may be white only or white and amber.

5. COMPUTER IS UNPLUGGED OR NOT RECEIVING POWER

You'll need to do everything in your power to visually look for any loose cables. Although cables can look connected, sometimes they aren't snuggly fit. Try unplugging the cables and plugging it back in firmly. This applies to all the cables you see connected to the computer and monitor.
There is a possibility the surge protector or outlet is not working. Check for connection. If you suspect the outlet, have your maintenance look at it.
Power adapter is disconnected. Follow the power cord from behind the computer. You'll see it leading to the power adapter. There should be a green light on the adapter. If not, the power adapter cable can become loose. Check the cable.

Power Adapter - the plug can disconnect

COMPUTER BACK SIDE