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Question

Computer monitor issues

Jul 18, 2016 9:41AM PDT

So my friend just gave me a "new" (new to me) desktop computer it's got a GTX 550 graphics card so it's not too bad
When he stopped using it he said it was fine with the exception of possibly needing a new hard drive
When I try to plug in my monitor I just got all I'm getting is a "Entering power save mode" message on the screen and I've tried all the things they recommend, unplugging it restarting everything, I've done it all
However when I plug in my laptop to check the monitor it works just fine and I can see my laptop through the monitor screen
The monitor is a Dell and the desktop is an HP

Discussion is locked

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Answer
To me that means the monitor is fine.
Jul 18, 2016 9:53AM PDT

But the PC isn't getting a signal to the monitor.

You left out a lot of PC details. More than a few times I found the monitor not plugged into the PC.

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Correct
Jul 18, 2016 9:58AM PDT

Yes that is correct
I apologize for that, but yes the computer isn't getting a signal to the monitor
I do apologize for the mislead information

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Not mislead, just missing.
Jul 18, 2016 10:32AM PDT

I know folk do not want to reveal personal details but here, a lot more would be needed to give a good diagnosis or ideas.

You didn't tell me if you have the video cable plugged in, the PC turned on or if this PC has more than one video output.

So back to basics. Check your manual on how to connect and power on the PC.

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Answer
Wrong port
Jul 20, 2016 2:34AM PDT

OK, looking at the GTX 550 it's got 2 DVI ports (the larger white ones) and 1 HDMI (looks similar to USB). Which are you using? It is probably sending out on one of the other ports. Also, make sure the tower doesn't have built in video on the motherboard.
Now, assuming your monitor has both types of connections as well I would get 1 of each cable and connect them both. Check the monitor and cycle through the inputs, if still no picture then move the DVI cable to the other port in the GTX 550.

Hope this helps.