Scenario's

Try to identify the problem you have in one of the scenario's below. The problems in scenario 1, 2 and 3 all occur before Windows loads or starts. The problems in Scenario 4, 5, 6 and 7 all occur after windows starts loading. This does not necessarily mean that Windows is the root cause of the problem but it helps to eliminate some possibilities in the troubleshooting process.

Scenario 1: Nothing happens when you press the power button

This one is pretty obvious, when you press the power button, nothing happens.

Scenario 2: All you hear is a series of beeps

You can hear the beeps and the fans turning but nothing appears on the screen.

Scenario 3: An error message appears, before you can see the windows logo

There is an error message on the screen but this occurs before windows can start.

Scenario 4: A blue screen or BSOD appears

Windows actually starts loading but then a blue screen or BSOD appears.

Scenario 5: The Computer restarts over and over

When the PC starts, you can see the windows logo but then the PC restarts and does this over and over again.

Scenario 6: The computer hangs or freezes

When the PC starts, the windows logo appears but then hangs or freezes: also commonly referred to as a lock up.

Scenario 7: The computer is too slow with many error messages

The PC starts, windows starts but the PC is too slow to be workable, gives excessive error messages or freezes after some time.