Laptop Won't Turn On? Here Is What to Check
Most laptops that will not turn on can be fixed. Here is what causes it, what you can safely try, and when to call us.
The Short Answer
A laptop that will not turn on usually has a power problem, not a dead computer. The most common causes are a flat or failed battery, a faulty charger or charging port, or a laptop that is actually on but showing a black screen.
Most of these faults can be repaired. In many cases your files are still on the drive and can be recovered, even if the laptop itself needs work.
Common Causes
A Flat or Failed Battery
A battery that has run completely flat can take a few minutes on the charger before the laptop responds. A battery at the end of its life may not hold enough charge to start at all.
A Faulty Charger or Charging Port
A damaged cable, a failed power adapter or a loose charging port stops power reaching the laptop, so it looks dead even when the battery is fine.
It Is On, but the Screen Is Black
Sometimes the laptop starts but the display does not. Lights, fan noise or a keyboard backlight with a black screen point to a screen, cable or graphics fault.
Liquid or Impact Damage
A spill or a drop can damage the motherboard or the power circuit. Switch the laptop off, unplug it and do not charge it again until it has been checked.
What to Try Before You Call
- Plug in the charger, leave it for 15 minutes, then try again. Check whether the charging light comes on.
- Try a different power point, and a different charger if you have a compatible one.
- Hold the power button down for 15 to 30 seconds, let go, then press it once to start.
- Unplug everything else, such as USB drives and docks, and try again.
- Look and listen for signs of life, such as lights, fan noise or a keyboard backlight. If you see them but the screen stays black, connect an external monitor.
Stop and call us if the laptop smells of burning, gets hot while switched off, or the battery looks swollen. Do not keep charging it.
When to Call Us
Call us if none of these steps work. We come to you, check the battery, charger, charging port and screen, and tell you what is wrong and what it will cost before we repair anything.
What Does a Repair Cost?
Our standard rate is $132 per hour, and it includes travel anywhere on the Gold Coast. We quote any parts before we start, so the price never surprises you.
Every repair comes with our satisfaction guarantee, and parts carry the manufacturer's warranty.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Labour, including Gold Coast travel | $132 per hour |
| Parts | Quoted before we start |
Questions
Not usually. A laptop that will not start often has a power or screen fault, and the drive holding your files is fine. If the drive itself has failed, our data recovery service can often get the files back.
Often, yes. A new battery, charger or charging port costs much less than a new laptop. If the repair is not worth it, we will tell you honestly.
Yes. We repair laptops at your home or office anywhere on the Gold Coast. Our standard rate is $132 per hour, including travel.
You Might Also Need
Data RecoveryLaptop Still Won't Start?
Call us or book a technician, and we will get back to you fast.