Quick fix: my computer won't turn on. What do I try first?

Don't panic. Most of the time this turns out to be something simple.

1. Check the plug at both ends, and try a different wall outlet. If it's on a power strip, make sure the strip is switched on.
2. Look for a light on the computer or the charger. No light at all usually points to power, not the computer itself.
3. For a laptop, plug in the charger and leave it for 30 minutes before trying again. A fully drained battery can look like a dead laptop.
4. Hold the power button down for 15 seconds, let go, wait a few seconds, then press it once normally.
5. If it seems to start but the screen stays black, check that the monitor is on and its cable is snug. On a laptop, try turning the brightness up.
6. Unplug anything extra, like USB drives, printers and discs, then try again.

Stop and get help if you smell burning, hear crackling, see smoke, or the charger is hot or damaged. Unplug it and leave it unplugged. Also stop if it was dropped or got wet.

Still stuck? Post your make, model and what you see in this topic, or send me a request for a free assessment.