You can learn how to fix common computer problems yourself without having to send your computer to a workshop. Workshops are great for the more complicated faults but you can save money by being able to fix it yourself.
Here is a list of problems and a guide to how you fix them yourself.
Computer not starting
If your computer is not starting at all, there are no sounds and the screen is blank then you may have a faulty power supply unit (PSU). There are ways in which you can test a power supply but let's check the basics first.
Check that the computer is plugged in at the wall and switched on, then check that the power lead is plugged into the PSU and, if it has one, switched on. You might think it obvious but it does happen.
If everything is plugged in properly and the computer still doesn't start, examine the start button on the front of the computer case.
When you press the button, does it have a slight 'click' feeling like it has in the past?. The button on the front of the computer usually pushes on a small start switch that is mounted directly onto the computer chassis and it's possible that it's not making contact.
If possible, remove the bezel on the front of the computer until you can get access to the proper switch.
You may need to remove one or both of the side covers on the computer to be able to remove the bezel, in most cases that are plastic spring-clips holding the bezel onto the front of the computer.
Whilst the bezel is off of the computer you might also want to check that the two wires that connect from the switch to the motherboard are still attached.
If your computer still doesn't start then it's time to test your power supply unit.
Laptop not starting
If your laptop fails to start, you should also check that it's plugged in properly into both the mains power supply and the laptop. I have written a short article that will show you how to test a laptop charger with a multimeter.
Repairing a laptop is more difficult and access to the inner workings is far harder without the right tools and experience.
Computer starting but turning off or cutting out straight away
A common reason for a computer starting up but turning off again straight away is that it is overheating. In a standard desktop computer there is a finned (usually) heat sink that sits on top of the central processor unit (CPU) which is attached to the motherboard.
Between the CPU and the heat sink there is also a thin layer of thermal paste or compound which improves the heat transfer from the CPU the the heat sink to improve cooling.
On top of this heat sink is a small fan that blows air down to keep the CPU from overheating and shutting down. This fan is constantly drawing air in from outside of the computer case and all of the dust that maybe in the atmosphere.
In some cases, and over a long period of time, the fins on the heat sink get clogged with dust and fluff forcing to fan to work harder for longer.
With a laptop the fluff and dust can cause even more of a problem. I have written an article with information about how to stop your laptop overheating, I hope you find it useful.
It's worth learning about these things as fixing your own computer can save you a lot of money.
Published: 30 October 2026
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