There are a number of BIOS error messages that can display on your monitor and several reasons why a PC might freeze during the POST, so it’s important to step through a logical process like the one we’ve created below.
How to Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During the POST
Walk through these steps in order to address the most likely and easier-to-solve tips first. Time Required: Anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on why the computer stopped booting during the POST
Tips & More Information
Did we miss a troubleshooting step that helped you (or might help someone else) fix a computer that’s freezing or showing an error during the POST? Let us know, and we’d be happy to include the information here. If you don’t fix the problem by working through the specific error during the POST, you can always return here and continue with the troubleshooting below. Replace your power supply immediately if your tests show a problem with it. Try reseating the following and then see if your computer boots past the POST:
Reseat all internal data and power cables Reseat the memory modules Reseat any expansion cards
Check every jumper and DIP switch, verify that the CPU, memory, and video card you’re using is compatible with your motherboard, etc. Rebuild your PC from scratch if necessary. If your computer starts normally with only essential hardware installed, proceed to Step 10. If it still isn’t displaying anything on your monitor, proceed to Step 11. Since your computer powered on with only the essential hardware installed, those parts must be working properly. This means that one of the hardware components you removed is causing your computer to not turn on properly. By installing each device back into your computer and testing each time, you’ll eventually find the hardware that caused your problem. Replace the non-functioning hardware once you’ve identified it. If you don’t already own or are unwilling to buy a POST card, skip to the next step. If you don’t have a POST card or spare parts to swap in and out, you’re left not knowing which piece of your essential computer hardware is not working. In these cases, you’ll have to rely on the help of individuals or companies that do have these tools and resources.
