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Resolved Question

black screen on boot but runs in safe mode

Jan 29, 2013 2:43AM PST

Vista sp 2 64 bit
Hp pavilion elite m9250f
Monitor - hp w1907

It was fine last night but when I tried to turn it on today the monitor blacks out but the comps tower is lit to show its still on.

Restarted in safe mode with networking and it started fine

I'm currently backing my 2 hard drives up with power2go to be on the safe side, but i'd like to know how to fix it as I'm scared to turn the thing off now

Please let me know what you think

Discussion is locked

Rika24 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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In Safe Mode, lower your screen resolution
Jan 29, 2013 3:01AM PST

It sounds like the resolution your computer is set for is incompatible with your monitor and/or video hardware. Since you can boot to Safe Mode OK, go into the Display applet of the Control Panel and lower the resolution.

Good luck.

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Res
Jan 29, 2013 3:27AM PST

I thought you're supposed to use the default res for the monitor. The current res is 1440 x 900. What res would you suggest?

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Since it works in Safe Mode & not in normal...
Jan 29, 2013 5:01AM PST

When you run in Safe Mode, you get 640 x 480, so I'd try lowering the resolution. Normally I'd use the default for the monitor, but if your PC's video can't handle that, you've got to either lower the setting or get a better video card. Try 800 x 600 and see if that works. If it does, try 1024 x 786, and keep going up 'till you find one that doesn't, then back down from that.

Good luck.

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Working now
Jan 29, 2013 6:02AM PST

I set the res 800 x 600 in safe mode and restarted and the moitor went black for a minute before working. The res however is the same 1440 x 900, so I don't know what got it working again, but I'm not complaining! Thanks for the help. But any idea what fixed it?

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Did you sprinkle holy water on that monitor? :-)
Jan 29, 2013 6:37AM PST

Just kidding about the holy water obviously; your guess is probably good as mine. If it goes black again though, be sure to remember what you did! Happy