Why won’t my computer or printer come on?

The first thing you need to check is what most would consider “the stupid stuff”, the peripherals. You’d
be amazed how many “problems” are solved by connecting the cables, or turning on the power switch
that you swear you already did. Beyond that, double-check the connections to assure that they are
tightly inserted—jiggling a card, pushing (never rock connections from side to side) in a connection, or
screwing in a cable connection can make a difference.
When looking at the back of a computer, you should be able to identify the following peripherals (See
your “Computer Basics” handout):
a) Power cable connection
b) Mouse and keyboard connection
c) Monitor connection
d) Ethernet connection
e) Microphone (usually has a picture of a microphone on it)
f) Speaker connections/power supply
g) Printer connection/power supply
h) Surge protector (make sure that it is turned on)
Some computers have the same connectors for the keyboard and mouse, and possibly the COM (serial
communications) ports.
• If a computer has no power, and you are sure that you turned the power switch on, you should
check to see that all power cords are plugged into the electrical outlet and/or surge protector.
• If a computer has no power, and all power cords are plugged into a surge protector, double-check
to see that the surge protector power switch is on.
• If the surge protector power switch is on, disconnect one plug (say the monitor or printer) and
plug it directly into the electrical outlet. If the equipment comes on, the surge protector could be
faulty and it should be replaced.
• If you’ve checked all connections and power supplies but power is still not restored, you may
want to check with your school’s head custodian to see that there is not a problem with the power
supply (flipped breaker switch) to your classroom.
• Follow your districts technology department procedures for requesting technical/repair assistance
if all else fails.