What to Do When Your Computer Won’t Turn On: Troubleshooting the Yellow Light
Whether you use your computer for work or leisure, the last thing you want is for it to suddenly stop working. When you press the power button and see the yellow light, it can be frustrating and frightening, and the first thought that comes to mind is that your computer is broken. However, there are several reasons why a computer won’t turn on, and many of them are easy to fix. In this article, we will discuss what to do when your computer won’t turn on, focusing on troubleshooting the yellow light issue.
Causes of the Yellow Light
The yellow light on your computer’s power button indicates that there is something wrong with the computer’s power supply. The problem could be a faulty power supply unit (PSU), a loose connection, a problem with the motherboard, or a power surge. Here are some common causes of the yellow light:
Faulty Power Supply Unit (PSU)
If the power supply unit becomes faulty, it cannot provide enough power to the computer’s components, resulting in the yellow light. To test if it is the power supply’s fault, you can try using another power cord and see if the issue persists. If it does, then the problem is likely to be the power supply unit.
Loose Connection
One of the easiest and frequently overlooked reasons why the yellow light appears is a loose connection. Check all the power cords, including the one connecting the PSU with the motherboard. Make sure everything is connected tightly, and if you spot any loose connection, secure it.
Problem with the Motherboard
If the motherboard is damaged, it can prevent the computer from starting up, displaying the yellow light issue. You can try to reset the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) to see if it helps. Alternatively, you can uninstall and reinstall the BIOS (basic input/output system) battery.
Power Surge
A power surge can damage the power supply unit and other components, triggering the yellow light. Make sure you use a surge protector to protect your computer from power surges.
What to Do When You See the Yellow Light
If the yellow light appears, the first thing to do is to stay calm and follow these steps:
Disconnect Peripherals
Power off the computer and disconnect all peripherals, including the mouse, keyboard, and printer. Then try turning on the computer to see if the yellow light issue resolves. If yes, then the issue was likely a loose connection or a problem with a peripheral.
Check Power Cord and Outlet
Check if the power cord has any visible damage or if the outlet is faulty. Try another outlet to see if the problem is with the outlet. If the problem persists, you can try a different power cord.
Reset the Computer’s Power
Some computers have a reset button on the back of the case. Press it to reset the power. Alternatively, you can unplug the computer, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in.
Remove and Reinstall the RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) can sometimes cause the yellow light issue. Try removing the RAM and reinstalling it. Check your computer’s user manual for instructions on how to remove RAM.
Conclusion
When your computer won’t turn on, the yellow light can be a distressing sight. However, there are several reasons why it happens and many simple ways to troubleshoot the issue. Always check the peripheral connections, power cords, and outlet before concluding that your computer is permanently broken. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can fix your yellow light issue and get your computer back up and running in no time.
