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General discussion

Monitor won't work on one computer

Jan 10, 2015 8:26AM PST

I have two Win 7 computers, one a desktop and one a notebook. I had the monitor connected to the desktop and all was well until this morning when I left the computer long enough that it turned off the monitor (that's how I have it set). But the monitor wouldn't turn back on; the yellow no-signal light stayed on instead of turning to green. I turned the computer off then on but that didn't fix it. Here are the trouble shooting results:

- The monitor (and cable) works on the notebook.

- The desktop drives another monitor (in the shop where I bought the computer) just fine, using the same connector in the desktop.

- I replaced the monitor cable with another one. The monitor still gets no signal from the desktop, and also works fine on the notebook.

I'm running out of ideas...

Discussion is locked

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Some monitors require specific video settings.
Jan 10, 2015 8:28AM PST

There's a test I use. I boot the machine but let it sit on the BIOS screen as that MUST WORK or there is a monitor or video card failure.
Bob

PS. I don't see enough detail here about model numbers.

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I should have said "monitor stopped working"
Jan 10, 2015 8:41AM PST

Note that this monitor had been working with the desktop for about one month, since I got the desktop. It just stopped working this morning. I also dimly remember that when I came back to the computer this morning, expecting to find everything as I left it, that the computer was off, as in powered down. How or why it did that, I don't know.

> I boot the machine but let it sit on the BIOS screen as that MUST WORK or there is a monitor or video card failure<

I don't see that I can do that because the monitor doesn't display anything (and has the yellow no-signal light) at all times when connected to the desktop.

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Then the desktop needs repair or changes.
Jan 10, 2015 8:49AM PST

Again the lack of models stops members from seeing what could be in play.

For example if the desktop has two video jacks, it could be that Windows needs to boot before the second jack works. Without machine details, it's going to be taking the machine and this monitor to the shop to be sorted out.
Bob

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can't see the info
Jan 10, 2015 9:09AM PST

I can't get at the info because I can't see anything on the desktop.

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usually make/model is inscribed on the machines.
Jan 10, 2015 9:29AM PST

I haven't had to boot most PCs or monitors to find make/model numbers. I guess many today don't know what they have.

Sounds like one more trip to the shop.
Bob

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xx
Jan 10, 2015 9:37AM PST

Yep, if I don't get a new good idea by Monday morning, that's where I'll be.

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In one line.
Jan 10, 2015 9:47AM PST

Look for more than one VGA connection on the PC. Try both.

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xx
Jan 10, 2015 12:23PM PST

Thanks, only one of them.

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Thanks for checking.
Jan 10, 2015 11:57PM PST

I don't have enough to work with here but I'll try anyway.
Bob

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fix found
Jan 12, 2015 11:49AM PST

This morning I took the computer and monitor and cable to the shop where I bought the computer (not the monitor; I had that) a month ago. The tech that built the computer tested it and found the same behavior. He then noticed that my monitor cable was connected to the computer via an adapter, and suggested switching cable types to one that didn't requjire an adapter and plugged into a different connector on the computer. He did that and low and behold it worked. Why did it work for a month with the original cable and then stop workiong? He said he would have liked to have figured that out but he didn't. Who knows... Anyway, it's all back working.