Computer Won't Turn On? Beep Codes, Lights, and Fans

The Lights On The Front Of Your Computer Turn On or Flash, But Nothing Else Happens.

Usually this is indicative of a failed power supply. In my experience, 80% of the time that was the case, 19% of the time it was a failed motherboard, and 1 time (not 1%, just 1) it was a rare error involving the front panel controller board. Most computers don't have extensive controller boards in the front panel but Dell seems to favor them heavily. To troubleshoot a failed Power Supply or Motherboard please refer to the previous installments of this series.

Your Computer Emits Loud Beeps or Tones

These noises you are hearing are called Post Error Codes or Post Error Beep Codes. Different combinations of long and short tones indicate different potential problems. Most computers will emit one short beep when they "pass post". Post stands for Power On Self Test, and is a series of checks your computer does on itself to make sure it is working properly. A single, short beep is the "All Clear" message.

The interpretation of the Beep Code you hear is entirely dependant upon your computers BIOS or manufacturer. If you do not know what BIOS type your computer is using, call your computer's manufacturer and ask. If they can't tell you, then you will probably have to do an internet search of your motherboard's model number, which is usually painted on your motherboard.

The interpretations for all the different motherboards is far too long of a list for me to disclose here, but this website has a very good and complete list.

This isn't a very common problem as most of the time computer components are either working fine or not working at all. Occasionally, though, a Power Supply that isn't regulating voltage correctly or has stopped producing the right level of power can cause an error like this. This can be a difficult problem to identify though, since there's very little indication that your computer is or isn't completely "booting up". Most, but not all, computers give an "all clear" POST beep when you first turn them on. If yours normally does but in this case does not, then you are more than likely looking at a faulty power supply. If your computer doesn't normally beep once as it is booting up then hopefully you know your computer well enough to identify the clicks and whirs it produces when it is successful. Part one of this series deals with troubleshooting power supplies and other electrical factors.