Why would your computer start up again after you shut it down?

I have had this problem before on an older computer. If you have done any recent upgrades to your computer hardware, like upgrading the video card, adding a sound card, or adding memory, there could've been a speck of dust that landed in the slot.

Here is what you could do, and a list of things you need. You may need a phillips screwdriver, although not as common for taking the case apart on newer computers, and a can of compressed air. You can get that at Walmart or any office supply store.

1. Turn off the computer, unplug it, then press the power button to unenergize the power supply. You don't need to get zapped with 120 volts of electricity.

2. Take off the side cover of the case (read the computer's owner's manual if you do not know how to do this)

3. Touch something metal, like the chassis of the computer to get rid of the static in your body.

4. remove the memory sticks. If you have more than one memory stick, remove one at a time. Then use the can of compressed air and blow out the slot on the motherboard. Put the stick of ram back in the slot.

If you have more than one stick of memory, repeat step 4 for any remaining sticks of memory.

5. If you have a video card, remove it, using the phillips screw driver, and blow out the slot. Then reinsert the video card into the slot.

Do the same for the sound card, if it's not onboard, the modem, if you have one, and any other expansion card you may have.

6. While you're there, you might as well blow out the CPU fan and the power supply. Dust and dirt is a bitter enemy to electronics, especially computer hardware.

7. Look over everything inside the computer and make sure everything is plugged in and nothing is going to hit the fan when powered on.

8. Replace the cover of the case.

9. Plug it in and power it on.

Starts up? Job well done. Doesn't boot up? You missed something. Unplug it again and take the case off. Look over everything again. If it still doesn't boot up, you may have something unplugged on the back of the computer. Or you forgot to do step 3 and fried one of the electrical components. I hope this helps. It is also a good cleaning guide to follow as well. leaning the slots should be done at least once every 2 months, depending if you live in the city, or in the country where there is alot of dust.

First answer by Amir Asadkhah. Last edit by JTerk555. Contributor trust: 11 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 236 [recommend question]

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