How to Turn On Your Computer From the Inside of Your PC

PC motherboards are turned on by connecting two pins on one of the motherboard headers together momentarily. Normally, this action is performed by pressing the power switch on the computer's case, which shorts the pins together. If your PC won't turn on when the power switch is pressed, a faulty switch may be the cause. This can be diagnosed by bypassing the power switch, and connecting the two pins together yourself--if the computer turns on, you know the power switch is faulty and can be replaced.

• 1

  Open your computers case to give you access to the PC's motherboard.

• 2

  Locate the header pins that are used to connect the case switches and LED's to the motherboard. Motherboard manuals can usually be downloaded from the manufacturers web site, and these will show the location of the pins if you are unsure. The power switch pins will be marked as "Power SW" or similar.

• 3

  Connect the two power switch pins together briefly with a metal screwdriver, or similar tool. This signals to the motherboard to turn on, and the PC should start up immediately. All of the voltages on the motherboard are 12 volts or under, so there is no risk of electric shock with this procedure.

• 4

  Turn off the PC when required by connecting the power switch pins together again, and leaving them connected until the PC shuts down. This mimics holding in the power button on the computer's case, and signals to the motherboard to shut down.