A gamer wanted to start his PC, but he just doesn’t want to. Together with the community he finds the problem and it is smaller than expected.
One gamer was out of the country for three months and had therefore unplugged his computer. Now he wanted to start his PC again after a long time, but nothing happened. The motherboard reported a memory error, but even after removing a latch, the problem persisted. Finally, he turned to the community (via reddit.com).
Here it was explained to him that it could also be due to a small battery, the so-called “CMOS battery” on the mainboard. After the user had exchanged them and left the main memory out, the computer started again.
What kind of battery is that? The CMOS battery (in English: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is usually a button cell that is mounted on the mainboard of your computer and is usually quite inconspicuous. The small part ensures that hardware settings, date and time are saved even when the power is switched off.
If the CMOS battery is empty, your computer can no longer save the data and you will get an error message and the date will be wrong. In the most annoying case, a dead battery can also ensure that your computer can no longer boot the operating system.
In addition to an empty battery, there are plenty of other sources for a computer that won’t start.
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What can you do if the computer no longer starts?
Basically, you should first keep calm and not rush anything. Because with every panic reaction you only end up making the problems bigger. If you do several things at the same time, you can no longer check later where the mistake really was.
Check CMOS battery: Normally, the button cell lasts 2 to 3 years and then has to be replaced. It’s pretty easy with a screwdriver and the costs are in the single-digit euro range.
Check power supply: Check whether all the cables are plugged into the computer correctly or whether you have switched off the power supply unit on the back using the mains plug.
Check cable in computer: In a next step, check whether all your cables are properly seated in the computer. This includes the cable for the processor and the large connector on the mainboard. On top of that, you should check whether the small cables from the housing are seated correctly. If, for example, the small cables from the housing are not plugged in correctly, the start button on the PC will not work.
Remove memory: Corrupted, broken, or improperly seated memory can also prevent a PC from starting. First take out a memory stick and test whether the computer starts now. Then do the same with the second bar.
In a further step you can test other slots on the mainboard. Gaming systems usually offer 4 memory slots. Also check the manual for your mainboard to make sure the memory sticks are in the right places.
Test graphics card: Normally, your computer will start even if the graphics card is damaged or broken. Without a graphics card, you won’t get a picture at first, but the computer should start without any problems. A broken graphics card can also short-circuit the mainboard and prevent a start.
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