Dealing with startup and POST errors

- [Narrator] Hardware problems become most obvious…when you start the computer, or not.…In fact, the first problem anyone notices…is that the computer won't start.…In that situation, the issue is the power supply.…First questions, is it plugged in?…Does the wall socket have power?…You can obtain a socket tester at any hardware store…to determine not only if the socket has power,…but confirm that it's wired properly.…If not, plug a lamp into the socket and see if it turns on.…

Check the power cord, both ends must be plugged in.…The cord must be intact.…Look at the back of the PC for a power supply switch,…ensure that it's on.…Finally, listen to the power supply fan.…Is it worrying?…If the PC still fails to start, this situation happens…during periods of intense power usage.…The Layman's term is brownout,…though it's more properly called a dip.…If that's the case, you just have to wait.…Check the console, specifically look for its power lamp.…

Is it on? Can you hear the CPU fan?…Which is different from the power supply fan.…