100-140 Question 111
Select 3A user reports that their desktop computer fails to power on. You check and confirm that the computer is plugged into a working outlet, but pressing the power button does nothing. Which of the following actions should you take to investigate the issue further?
- A
Inspect the power supply unit (PSU) for visible damage or disconnected cables.
- B
Replace the motherboard immediately, as it is likely faulty.
- C
Test the computer with a known working power cable.
- D
Check whether the power button on the computer case is functioning properly.
- E
Reseat the RAM and hard drive to ensure proper connections.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C, D
Explanation
When investigating a computer that fails to power on, it is important to start with straightforward diagnostics. Checking the power supply, testing with a known working power cable, and verifying the power button functionality are all essential steps to identify the root cause of the issue before proceeding to more complex hardware diagnostics or replacements. Reseating components like RAM and storage devices is unrelated to power issues at this stage.
- A. Correct.
Inspecting the power supply unit (PSU) is a logical first step, as it is a common cause of power issues. Damaged or disconnected PSU cables can prevent the system from powering on.
- B. Incorrect.
Replacing the motherboard immediately is not advisable without proper diagnostics. The issue could stem from other components, and replacing the motherboard prematurely is expensive and time-consuming.
- C. Correct.
Testing the computer with a known working power cable helps eliminate the possibility of a faulty cable causing the issue.
- D. Correct.
Checking the power button ensures that the issue is not due to a malfunctioning button, which can prevent the computer from turning on even if other components are functional.
- E. Incorrect.
Reseating the RAM and hard drive is unnecessary at this stage because these components do not typically prevent a computer from powering on when disconnected.