Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

Structured checks for the faults we see most often: no power, powers on but no display, a drive that is not detected, overheating, and sudden slowness. Each guide states the low-risk checks to try, what the result tells you, and the point at which to stop and get help.

5 guides

• A drive is not showing up — Work out whether it is a connection problem, a configuration one, or a failing drive.
• It powers on but there is no display — Fans spin and lights come on, but the screen stays black. The checks, in order of likelihood.
• New memory is not detected, or the PC will not boot after fitting it — Almost always seating or slot order. Here is how to prove which.
• Running hot, throttling, or the fans are constantly loud — What is actually too hot, what causes it, and what is safe to do yourself.
• The PC is completely dead: no lights, no fans — Safe checks for a machine showing no sign of life, and the point at which to stop.