Alienware Computer Does Not Turn On or Go Into Windows

If you press the power button to turn on the system and it shows no activity: no lights, no fans, etc.; then you have a No Power issue.

When this occurs it is recommended that you:

• Verify if there is any light on the system, this includes the power led ring on the AC adapter for laptops.
• Reset the power cables connections on both ends: computer and power outlet.
• Try a different power outlet or verify the one you are using is working properly connecting to it a known working device.
• If you have a laptop, ensure the battery is fully charged. You can also try removing the battery and powering up the system with the AC Adapter only.
• Perform a power drain by disconnecting the power cables from the computer as well as the battery in case of laptops, and then hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to discharge "static power". Then connect back the power cables and try to turn the system on.

If problem persists after these steps, then it may be related to a defective power supply, AC adapter, battery or motherboard.

If after pressing the power button the computer turns on but is unable to complete the diagnostic testing sequence known as Power-On-Self-Test then you have a No POST issue.

Indications of a failed POST include:

• The computer displays the Alienware logo but does not move past that point.
• Power indicator lights up and it is amber or orange.
• The computer stays on a black screen with text but does not move past it.
• If Video screen displays anything at all during the startup process but is now black.
• System is beeping or Diagnostic LEDs, Caps/Num/Scroll Lock LEDs are flashing. Note down if there is a particular pattern in which it beeps or flashes.

The following tables illustrate the Beep Codes for Alienware Mobiles and Desktops and the possible root cause:

*Note: If you have installed or replaced the memory modules, ensure that they are seated properly; otherwise you may get a 2 beeps code. If you get a 2 or 4 beeps code please test one memory module at the time.

It is recommended that if the computer is not beeping and Caps/Num/Scroll locks are not flashing, to unplug all connections and remove all media communication devices (e.g. external monitors) then, reconnect one at a time and check if the computer functions.

For a laptop, press and hold the Fn key and then press the power button. This starts the pre-boot testing and will launch the Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA Error Codes) . In case you have a Desktop, at the Alienware logo screen tap the F12 key to access the Boot Menu. There use the arrow keys to highlight Diagnostics and press enter.

After the computer completes the Power-On Self-Test, it will attempt to boot the operating system. If the computer advances past the Alienware logo screen and then hangs up attempting to load the operating system, it is most likely a No Boot issue.

When this occurs it is recommended that you:

• Verify the BIOS default values are the correct ones for your system configuration. To do this:
  • Restart the computer.
  • At the Alienware logo during restart, tap the F2 key repeatedly until it enters setup.
  • Make sure the Hard Drive/RAID settings are correct as well as the UEFI/Legacy mode on BIOS.
• In case after this issue persists, run PSA Diagnostics by tapping the F12 while at the Alienware logo screen.

When power indicators are normal but there is no video seen on the computer's display during the startup process, this indicates a No Video issue.

For a desktop computer make sure the monitor is plugged in and has a power indicator showing that it is turned on. Also confirm that your video cable is properly connected on both ends: computer and monitor and that the correct video input source has been selected on the monitor.

For a laptop computer see if you can access the system BIOS by turning on the system and then immediately after that tapping F2. If no image is shown after this try running the Laptop Built-In Self-Test (BIST).

To run the Built-In Self-Test perform the following:

• Turn the computer off.
• Press and hold the D key while pressing the power button. This will start the BIST.
• The screen will display multiple flashing colors. Look for lines, distortion, or any other video issues you have observed.
• The laptop will restart when the test is finished.

If no video is shown yet at this point it is recommended to connect the computer to an external monitor (if available) to confirm if video problem is related to the LCD panel or to the computer’s video card itself.