How To Troubleshoot No POST, No Power, No Video Issues on a Dell Desktop

Summary: The following article is a step-by-step guide you through how to troubleshoot start up issues with your desktop.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

If you're experiencing issues with your Dell desktop, we've created comprehensive easy-to-follow guides that will help you fix the problem faster:


Understanding Common Desktop Issues

When your desktop doesn't work as expected, the issue usually falls into one of these categories:

Power Issues

Your computer doesn't turn on at all. No lights appear, and nothing happens when you press the power button.

Get step-by-step help for power issues


Startup Issues (POST)

Your computer turns on, but something prevents it from starting up properly. You might see the Dell logo and nothing else, hear beeping sounds, or see lights blinking in a pattern.

Get step-by-step help for startup issues


Display Issues

Your computer seems to be running (you can hear fans or see lights), but your screen stays blank or doesn't show anything.

Get step-by-step help for display issues


Boot Issues

Your computer completes its startup checks and shows the Dell logo, but Windows doesn't load. You might see error messages or a blank screen.

Get step-by-step help for boot issues

Article Properties
Article Number: 000129583
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2025
Version:  23
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