Few computer problems are more frustrating than a laptop that refuses to boot, as troubleshooting becomes infinitely more difficult when you are unable to get into the operating system. By understanding the common causes of laptop booting problems, you may be able to spare yourself the cost of paying an electronics store by resolving the issue on your own.

   1. Laptop computer
      Laptop computer
      Error Messages
   2. If a laptop is unable to boot, there will usually be an error message giving you some idea of the problem's cause. Read this error message to know where to begin in the troubleshooting process. Some common error messages seen on laptop computers during the booting process include "NTLDR" messages, which deal with the operating system, and messages relating to the hard drive and the power supply.
      Identifying a Software Issue
   3. If a laptop has trouble booting and displays error messages generated by Windows, the cause is often a failed driver installation or other change that rendered the computer unstable. This type of issue can often be resolved by starting Windows in safe mode, then using the System Restore utility to roll the computer back to the previous configuration. If an external peripheral was recently added to your laptop, such as an external DVD drive, try booting the laptop with the device disconnected, then reconnecting it once Windows is fully loaded.