Your computer performs various self-checking procedures when you press the power button, ultimately resulting in proper booting of your operating system. If, however, you only see a black screen with a blinking cursor, it indicates boot failure. This failure could occur due to hardware issues, a residual charge in the machine or unsuccessful boot attempt from a different source, so troubleshoot these potential causes first.
The number one rule of computer operation is simple: When in doubt, reboot. Computers can develop little electronic hiccups that prevent proper operation, resulting in odd, sometimes nonresponsive behavior. In some cases, rebooting the system resets the computer's various processes and operations, returning the machine to proper functioning order. Press the power button and hold it until your computer turns off. Turn it back on again and watch for signs of continued issues.
All the various transistors and components in your computer are capable of holding an electrical charge, and sometimes this energy can interfere with proper operation. Dissipating this charge can help correct boot issues. Power down the machine and disconnect the power cord from the back of the system. If you're on a laptop, remove the battery. Disconnect all peripheral devices, including the monitor and any USB accessories. Press and hold the power button for up to 30 seconds to discharge the residual energy from your system. Reconnect the power cord and monitor, and then power your computer on. If it boots properly, reconnect your other peripheral devices.
Your computer can boot from a number of different sources, including the hard drive, optical drive or a connected device such as a portable USB drive. The black screen and blinking cursor could indicate that your machine is attempting to boot from a source other than the hard drive. Make sure no discs are in the optical drive and remove any attached USB drives. Reboot and watch for signs of continued booting error.
Perhaps the worst cause of a booting error, and the hardest to troubleshoot, is hardware failure. Your computer requires your motherboard, memory chips and hard drive to all function properly for a successful boot. If any of these components are loose, fail or suffer damage through short circuits or overheating, you could find yourself staring at a black void on your monitor. Power down and have a technician check all internal components to ensure they're seated securely in their sockets and ports, if possible. Check for signs of corrosion or damage and replace parts with signs of either. If everything looks in good working order, your hard drive may have failed. Consult with a computer technician for advice on repair options or data recovery.
- LDProd/iStock/Getty Images