My PC powers on, but the monitor and all connected peripherals remain inactive. Touching the case also caused a static or tingling sensation, even when the power supply switch was turned off. I later fixed the static issue by replacing a faulty power strip, but the monitor and peripherals are still dead. I tried connecting the monitor to both the dedicated graphics card and the motherboard, and I also removed and reseated the RAM, graphics card, and motherboard battery. What should I check next?
3 Answers
Check whether the keyboard’s Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock lights respond when pressed. If they do not, the system probably is not completing POST, which points to a hardware or power problem rather than a monitor-input issue. Make sure the monitor cable is connected to the correct output, then test with one RAM stick at a time and verify that the motherboard’s 24-pin and CPU power connectors are firmly seated.
Since changing the power strip fixed the static sensation, the original strip or the wall grounding was likely unsafe. Avoid using it again. If the PC still will not POST, inspect the power supply and motherboard for damage, check that the CPU power cable is connected, and test with only the essentials installed: motherboard, CPU and cooler, one RAM stick, and the power supply. A known-good PSU or a repair shop can help determine whether the PSU or another component has failed.
If the motherboard has diagnostic LEDs or a speaker, check the error code or beep pattern. Those indicators can identify missing RAM, graphics, CPU power, or another failed component. Do not continue using the computer if you feel electrical tingling from the case; have the outlet and PSU tested first.
The keyboard lights do not respond. I reseated both RAM sticks, the graphics card, and the motherboard battery, but the peripherals are still completely inactive.