If you have recently made some changes to your Windows computer, and you find that your computer no longer turns on or boots up properly, then your computer may seem as though it is completely unusable. This is not the case, though, and you can typically fix the issue fairly easily through a series of tasks that may include a computer restore or a system restore. To find out what you need to do, keep reading.
Go into Startup Repair or Safe Mode
If your computer turns on but fails to automatically launch Windows, then it is possible that a new program or driver you installed had a bug in its software. The hardware you tried to connect may also be incompatible with your computer. To make sure that parts are compatible, consult with a part-picker guide or a computer-compatibility chart to make sure the parts you have added work with your CPU and motherboard.
If all parts seem to be correct, then you likely have a software issue. When you try to boot your computer, you will likely see a message that indicates that there is a disk error or no bootable device. You will then see your computer's BIOS screen. The BIOS is the basic/input output system, and it can help you with simple booting problems as well as hardware and software issues. If you do not see this screen, then you will need to press a series of keys for it to pop up. Typically, the computer will provide the information about the keys to press as the initial startup screen appears. You will need to press the keys as soon as the startup screen opens. Typically, the keys will be one or several among the function keys, the escape key, and the delete key.
Once you are able to enter the BIOS program, you will have several options. If you see an option to launch startup repair, then go here first. The BIOS program will then attempt to find and repair issues that are preventing windows from booting normally. Once the startup repair runs, try to reboot your computer normally.
If your computer initially started to boot and load Windows, and a blue screen appeared instead of an error message, then this is an indication that an unstable hardware driver or another type of glitchy or virus-infected software was placed on the computer. You should remove the software, and you will be able to do this in safe mode. Safe mode is when Windows launches using only the necessary applications and programs. You can choose the safe-mode option in the BIOS screen and erase the driver or other software you have just installed before your Windows booting issue occurred.
Reset or Reinstall Windows
If the startup repair and safe-mode options through BIOS do not work, then you may need to entirely reinstall Windows on your machine. Unfortunately, this will reset your computer to its factory setting, and you will lose all of your files and software. However, this may be a good option to remove viruses and malware that can ingrain themselves into your computer system. You can retrieve many of your files before you restore your system. Locate the windows installer disc that came with your computer. Place the CD or DVD disc in your computer and start it up. Your computer should automatically run Windows from the disc. Place a thumb drive or connect an external hard drive to your computer. Copy and move all of your files to the drive.
Once your files have been safely copied, go into settings and then choose "Change PC settings." Look for "Update" and "Recovery" and click on Recovery. You will see an option to remove everything and reinstall Windows. Choose this option and move through the instructions that come up on the screen.
If you are not confident about completing all of the necessary tasks to get your computer up and running again, then take your computer to a restore and repair specialist for assistance instead.
