If your computer doesn't turn on when you press the power button and you're met instead with flashing lights on your keyboard, this is generally indicative of a few different types of hardware-related problems. Your work environment can affect your computer in many ways, especially if it is hot or dirty, or if your computer is ever moved or jostled. A blinking "Caps Lock" key typically means that there is a power-related issue, such as an error with your power supply, or that your computer cannot properly ventilate itself. However, this can often be resolved without needing to take it in for repairs.
In order to run efficiently for long periods of time, a computer needs to be well ventilated. If dust is clogging the vents and weighing down the fans, the computer can overheat. In some cases the computer may not turn on at all. This is part of its design to help it avoid any physical damage. Take your computer outdoors and use a can of compressed air to clear your computer's vents and fans of dust. Open your computer's frame if possible so you can be more thorough.
A power reset can fix many issues causing a computer not to start up. Shut down your computer, disconnect all connected cables and devices and unplug the power cord. Remove the battery, then press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds. Reconnect the power cord, then try to turn your computer on. If it works properly, you can then reattach the battery and continue using it normally. For desktop computers or other computers without batteries, unplug the power and all devices, press and hold the power button as mentioned before, then plug it back in and attempt to turn it on.
RAM is the memory your computer needs to run, and if your RAM ever gets jostled or unseated, your computer will not operate. Reseating the RAM requires physical access to it, so you will need to be able to open your computer case. Shut down your computer and disconnect everything, then carefully remove your RAM completely. Place it back in its slots, making sure it snaps in snugly. Close your computer frame, then try to turn it on again.
For some computers, different blinking lights refer to specific issues. A blinking "Caps Lock" key can sometimes mean that there is an issue with your battery or AC Adapter. If your battery LED and "Num Lock" button are also blinking, this can mean the same thing. If the power reset and clearing your computer's ventilation does not work, you may need to take your computer in for servicing or attempt to replace your battery, AC adapter or power supply.
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Your laptop's battery life can be influenced by the setup of your machine, the applications you are running or even the age of the battery itself. You can boost the efficiency of your battery by optimizing your system settings or by shutting down unwanted programs. You can even calibrate your battery to ensure you are receiving a more accurate reading.
The screen on your laptop can use more power than any other part of your machine. Some laptops adjust the brightness of your display automatically depending on your surroundings. If your laptop is running with the screen brightness at the highest setting, you should turn it down to a comfortable level in order to extend battery life. You can also alter your system settings to ensure your computer lowers the brightness of the screen automatically when not in use.
You may be running applications in the background unintentionally without realizing it, and this can have an impact on the battery life of your laptop. You can check your active processes by opening Activity Monitor on a Mac or Task Manager on Windows. Close applications that you aren't using, including connectivity settings such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Note that some computers may run system tasks automatically -- for example, Macintosh computers occasionally index your files in Spotlight, while Windows computers automatically install updates.
Some applications use more power than others, and this can cause your battery meter to fluctuate. Your system's battery display can lag behind your real-time activity, so if you have recently changed an application, your battery display may take a little bit of time to catch up. Power-hungry activities include watching videos, editing photos and listening to music. Multitasking can also put extra strain on your battery, so try to stick to one task at a time if you're energy-conscious.
It is possible that your battery is the cause of the sudden drainage, rather than the computer itself. Modern laptop batteries last for a certain amount of cycles before the charge they can hold begins to decrease; Apple claims its notebook batteries can deliver 1,000 cycles -- approximately five years of usage -- before seeing a diminished return. You can check your total battery life by installing an application such as CoconutBattery for Mac or BatteryCare for Windows. If you're always running out of power, changing the battery might make a difference.
If your battery meter is displaying inconsistent readings, try calibrating your battery in order to fix the problem. To calibrate your battery, let it run down to empty until it automatically switches itself off, then recharge it back to 100 percent without unplugging. Repeat this cycle a few times, with a couple of hours' rest between each cycle.
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If your computer unexpectedly shuts off while you're emailing clients, finishing your budget or performing other business tasks, it can wreak havoc on your productivity. A MacBook Pro that shuts off in the middle of a presentation can cause embarrassment and unnerve potential clients. There are simple troubleshooting steps you can take that may resolve the issue.
Unexpected power surges from an unreliable outlet could cause your MacBook Pro to unexpectedly shut down. Also, you should ensure that your laptop isn't connected to an outlet that cuts power when a switch is disabled. In this situation, your computer’s battery could run down, leading to the computer's shutting off. Additionally, verify that your MacBook Pro is operating within the normal temperature range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Other steps to try include putting your computer to sleep and then waking it up, restarting it, and shutting it down and then turning it back on.
If your computer appears to shut off unexpectedly every time you walk away from it or stop using it for a few minutes, your Energy Saver setting might be set for too short a time. Navigate to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Click “Energy Saver” from the hardware menu and check how quickly your computer is scheduled to sleep when not in use. You can adjust the settings for instances when you computer is plugged in and when it’s operating on battery power.
Each battery lasts a certain number of charge cycles before it requires replacement. If your battery is depleted, it will quickly drain or your computer could immediately shut off after disconnection from the charger. Normally, the battery icon in your menu bar notifies you when your battery needs replacement, but you can also check the cycle count by navigating to the Apple menu and selecting “About This Mac” followed by “More Info” and then “System Report.” Select “Power” in the “Hardware” drop-down menu to view the cycle count. Your battery lasts anywhere from 300 to 1,000 cycles, depending your computer model. If your battery needs replacement, you’ll spend $129 for a 13-inch or 15-inch model, $179 for a 17-inch model and $199 for a retina model as of November 2012.
Faulty firmware can cause your computer to unexpectedly turn off. In the past this was a known issue with certain MacBook models, and a firmware update was developed to the resolve the issue. Although the issue was with MacBook models, similar issues with MacBook Pros can also be resolved by installing updated firmware. Check “Software Update” in the Apple menu and install any available operating system or firmware updates. If the computer doesn’t stay on long enough to install the update, wait until it shuts off, hold down the power button until your computer emits a single long beep and install the updates after it powers back on.
The system management controller is responsible for many functions on your MacBook Pro, including certain battery and power-management tasks. Sometimes, resetting the SMC can resolve power-related issues, but you should only perform this step after you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting options. Depending on the MacBook Pro model you use, there are two ways to reset the SMC.
If your MacBook Pro has a removable battery, shut down your computer, disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery. After performing these steps, hold the power button for five seconds before releasing it. Reinsert the battery, reconnect the power adapter and power your computer back on. If your MacBook Pro does not have a removable battery, power off your computer, connect it to a power source and hold down “Shift-Ctrl-Option” along with the power button. After five seconds, release the keys and button and turn your computer back on.
If none of the previously mentioned steps resolves the issue, call Apple technical support or bring your computer to the closest Apple retail store or Apple authorized retailer. A technician can isolate the issue to determine whether or not a hardware component needs replacement or if it is a problem with the operating system. Disassembling your computer on your own could void any existing warranty.