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General discussion

Monitor keeps blacking out?!

Aug 3, 2007 10:38PM PDT

Hello everyone

I have been running a Dell Dimension 8300 for about 2.5 years now with almost no hassle whatsover but a strange problem has developed with the monitor (17" flat screen).

I frequently leave the PC on but turn the monitor off when I am away from my desk. Yesterday, when i turned the monitor on with the PC running in this way, it came on for about 1 second, then the display went to blackout. The monitor was still on (the on light was still lit up - on green) but the display was totally blacked out.

I've tried the full range of rebooting, restarting, checking all connections etc but cannot identify an obvious cause. Obviously, on the software side, it is pretty much impossible to start looking at power saving settings etc with a monitor that does not work!

Before I go and find a test monitor somewhere, would appreciate advice as follows:

* is there something else I should try
* is this a well recognized symptom for which there is a well recognised cause (eg the monitor is burned out? other?)

Any help/suggestions really appreciated

Discussion is locked

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(NT) Try the monitor on another PC?
Aug 3, 2007 10:44PM PDT
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Monitor keeps blacking out
Aug 3, 2007 10:49PM PDT

Thanks!! yes, I will if there is no other obvious, immediate action I should take - the problem is that I don't have immediate access to another PC but yes I will arrange that as a next step if needs be.

Thanks!

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It's either another monitor or PC.
Aug 3, 2007 10:56PM PDT

That's how the test is done when there is no display.

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CRT or LCD?
Aug 5, 2007 4:48AM PDT

You didn't mention what type of monitor you had. But, if this is a CRT, then reseat the cables and finally, give it "smack" on either right or left sides. If it flickers to a display then disappears again, replace the monitor. If LCD, place a flashlight against screen and if you see a faint display, backlight or power module is kaput. Repair is up to you. There maybe other causes, but repair tends to be costly and replacement is best. As Robert mentioned, swap out to another system to test it that way.

tada -----Willy Happy

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thanks
Aug 5, 2007 8:09AM PDT

Thanks both - I got another monitor off a friend and swapped it out and the problem is definitely with my (LCD) monitor. Looks like I need to get a replacement. Sad

Thanks for the help along the way!