Your computer is an essential part of your life. It’s where you work, play, and stay connected with friends and family. So when your computer won’t turn on, it can be a major inconvenience. There are a few reasons why your computer might not turn on after being off for a long time. It could be a simple problem, like a loose cable, or it could be something more serious, like a hardware failure.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot your computer and get it up and running again.
Step 1: Check the power cable
The first thing you should do is check the power cable to make sure it’s plugged in securely. If it’s not plugged in all the way, your computer won’t turn on.
Once you’ve checked the power cable, try turning on your computer again. If it still doesn’t turn on, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Check the power button
The power button is another common culprit when a computer won’t turn on. Make sure the power button is working by pressing it a few times. If the power button doesn’t light up or make any noise, it might be broken.
If you think the power button is broken, you can try replacing it. You can find replacement power buttons online or at your local computer store.
Step 3: Check the motherboard
The motherboard is the central nervous system of your computer. It’s responsible for communicating with all of the other components in your computer. If the motherboard is damaged, your computer won’t be able to turn on.
To check the motherboard, you’ll need to open up your computer case. Once you have access to the motherboard, look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or burn marks. If you see any damage, you’ll need to replace the motherboard.
Step 4: Check the RAM
RAM (random access memory) is a type of memory that your computer uses to store temporary data. If the RAM is damaged, your computer won’t be able to function properly.
To check the RAM, you’ll need to remove the RAM modules from your computer. Once you have the RAM modules out, you can use a multimeter to test them for continuity. If the RAM modules are not functioning properly, you’ll need to replace them.
Step 5: Check the hard drive
The hard drive is where your computer stores all of your data. If the hard drive is damaged, you won’t be able to access your files.
To check the hard drive, you can try to boot your computer from a live CD or USB drive. If you can boot from a live CD or USB drive, it means that your hard drive is not the problem.
If you can’t boot from a live CD or USB drive, it means that your hard drive is damaged. You’ll need to replace the hard drive.
Conclusion
If you’ve tried all of the steps above and your computer still won’t turn on, you may need to take it to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
FAQs
1. What are the most common reasons why a computer won’t turn on after being off for a long time?
There are a few common reasons why a computer might not turn on after being off for a long time. These include:
- A loose or damaged power cable
- A broken power button
- A damaged motherboard
- Damaged RAM modules
- A damaged hard drive
2. How do I check the power cable to make sure it’s plugged in securely?
To check the power cable, follow these steps:
- Unplug the power cable from the back of your computer.
- Inspect the power cable for any damage, such as cracks or burn marks.
- Plug the power cable back into the back of your computer.
- Try turning on your computer.
If your computer still doesn’t turn on, move on to the next step.
3. How do I check the power button to make sure it’s working?
To check the power button, follow these steps:
- Press the power button a few times.
- Listen for a beep or look for a light to come on
- If you don’t hear anything, make sure your computer is plugged in and the outlet is working
- If you are sure the power is working, you could be looking at a hardware issue inside the system

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.