Is My Computer Officially DEAD?

It [sounds] as if the monitor is just turned off when the screen is plain black. And when turned on and showing something about "Safe Mode", that the Windows Advanced Options menu is up. When you see the "Safe Mode" message, are other things showing such as "Last Known Good Configuration"? If so, using the up arrow key select that option and press the Enter key.

Charlie

There is not much you can do unless you know how to troubleshoot to find the failing component. Sorry for the short answer but I'm just trying to be truthful.

such as I pressed a small button on the flatscreen and it said something about "Save Mode" "press any key or move mouse" which I did and NOTHING happened (which would indicate that you simply brought up the monitor's adjustments panel) I would assume that you might well be hesitant to open the case and go about checking connections and re-seating paddle cards.

If this is so FIRST unplug the monitor from the computer then plug it back in to ensure that the monitor to graphics card connection is good. If that solves your problem then nothing more need be done.

If it didn't solve the problem look in the phone book for Computer Repair and take it to one of the places listed.

If it wouldn't bother you to do so you would FIRST shut the computer off, open the case, ground yourself by touching the computer's metal frame, then WITHOUT shuffling your feet around (ESPECIALLY IF ON CARPET) check that all cables are snugly plugged in (detatch then re-attach one by one) and do the same with all the paddle cards plugged into the various bus slots, then do the same with all RAM modules. Once this has all been done re-connect the monitor and try to boot. If it boots fine, if not it is time to start trouble shooting each component.