Computer Trouble-Shooting 101

I recently have joined the Asus Forum where a number of questions have been posted regarding various problems. I opted to create a list of common problems as well as offer some basic explanations for the problem as well as possible resolutions.

WARNING-1: Never ever plug or unplug anything on a motherboard unless the Power Supply Switch is in the OFF or 0 position. Failure to do so CAN render the device or motherboard useless (remember when you shut down a system using Windows or other OS as it really isn't OFF due to the Vsb required to power the start-up circuit on the motherboard).

WARNING-2:  Always observe proper ESD Precautions regardless of your personal feeling on this topic; ESD is real and will ZAP items into a none-operational state. See the ESD link in this blogspot for more info.
My Computer Won't POST:
This problem is due to some type of hardware failure. When a computer first powers-up a self test is preformed; this is called the POST (Power On Self Test). It is also during this time that the POST is working that you can access the BIOS Configuration Utility by pressing DEL or F2 (this may change depending on your system; be sure to check the manual for your system to verify).

1. place the switch on the Power Supply to the OFF or 0 position
2. remove all the memory modules (note slot locations) from the motherboard
3. re-install ONE memory module into the correct memory slot 
4. remove any none essential add-in cards such as a USB 3.0 or Fire-wire card
5. re-seat the graphics card
6. verify that the power supply cable (main ATX Power and 4/8-Pin CPU Power) are snug
7. place the switch on the Power Supply to the ON or 1 position
   -if the system is still not POSTing then power-down and try another memory module
   -place the memory module into another memory slot on the motherboard

My Operating System won't boot:

This is a common problem that could be due to either a software or hardware problem. Here is what to do:

NOTE: If you recently installed some new software or updated some existing software it may be that the newly installed or updated software MAY be the reason your OS isn't boot.

1. access the BIOS of the computer during the POST (most systems use DEL or F2)
   -the BIOS battery can discharge which may send some BIOS settings back to defaults
2. verify that the BIOS is able to detect your hard disk/SSD or Optical Drive
   -if the BIOS cannot detect a drive make sure the power and data cables are plugged in
   -if one device is not detected move the data cable to another open SATA Port (or IDE)
   -while doubtful try replacing the SATA cable
3. verify that the storage controller is configured for the proper mode (IDE, ACHI or RAID)
   for your system (if you need to change & save the BIOS settings restart at step 1)
4. at this point you could have a failed hard disk or blown OS install; try installing a new hard disk in the system and complete a base install of your OS. If this works your old drive may be the problem.