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General discussion

My monitor does not show image on start-up.

Sep 19, 2010 10:54PM PDT

Hello to the forum, i have an annoying problem with my monitor. When i boot up my computer, the monitor leaves from stand-by mode normally, but it doesnt show any image (all black).Computer is still working though and after some seconds, windows boot normally (i can hear the sound from my speakers) but everything is still black.After 3 or 4 minutes, monitor finaly shows image and everything is fine.
This only happens if i have my computer deactivated and i want to power it on.If i restart the computer, monitor does not have the same problem and works fine.
The strange thing is that this problem appeared when i installed Windows 7 in my computer (could this be just a coincidence? ).
My monitor is LG L207WT and it is only 2 years old. Has anyone any ideas about what might be the problem in my case and what should i do to deal with it? Is my monitor "dying"?

Discussion is locked

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IMHO, try a reload...
Sep 21, 2010 1:13AM PDT

This happens after hibernate/sleep modes and needs all to be active before it recovers to ready state again. If this then, that's your issue. Also, if you did a OS install over(upgrade) and not a fresh install as the HD was wiped clean, this also could be a result. The lingering effects of old install could be a hassle which is always why its good to load fresh. It's just is. Of course, to each their own h/w could be haggling how best to load itself, meaning the configuration needs more time to get along. While this may not be readily your problem, it could be. I have found reloading the OS again usually cures the above. No amount of new drivers or cleaning clears the issue. The system is bettered prepared to handle everything, its a long drawn out process but cut to the chase and just do it. If you reload, have the latest video drivers rather than usuing what came with the system, if possible. Oh yeah, be sure the cables themselves are OK, reseat and clean if necessary the contact and check for no bent or pushed-in pins.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Worried...
Sep 21, 2010 2:16AM PDT

Thanks for the reply Willy. I just want to say that i dont hibernate or use sleep mode (in fact i was using that rarely in my previous operating system with no problems at all). As for the installation, it was a clean install and i used the latest drivers for my graphics card and my motherboard. I didnt even insert the cd's, i immediately went to the manufacturer's web site and downloaded the latest drivers..that is something i do after formats or OS change..i hate to install older drivers when i know there are new ones.
As for the cables, unfortunately i dont have a second pair of cables to test them, but i tried taking them out and re-applying them to my monitor...with no results unfortunately.
I am afraid that it could be a mechanical problem, like a faulty capacitor for example which worries me because my current budget is low.
When you say "reload" windows you mean re-installing them? Maybe i could try that, but i am not so confident about the result, since the procedure is pretty much the same as the first time.

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Try...
Sep 22, 2010 10:55AM PDT

Reload as in re-installing. However, you can also "refresh" the OS by doing that from the OS menu when booting. That depends on your OS version and if retail, OEM, or upgrade discs, etc.. You don't want to do a destructive OS refresh but actually reloading the OS over itself. It may correct any issues or re-align what should be there. If it fails after all this, then very probable a h/w fault of the monitor, any warranty? Use it? You do turn-OFF your monitor when not in use, correct? If not, this may also be the result of it sitting idle though-ON but just stews in its heat build-up or more effected by any AC line hits.

tada -----Willy Happy

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fresh problem...
Sep 22, 2010 6:35PM PDT

Today i had a brand new problem with my monitor. When i switched my computer on the monitor opened 5 minutes later as usual, but with a new "feature" now. It was displaying the image on lower position (verticaly lower). I tried to press the "autoset" button and it gave me the message "digital input not available". I closed only the monitor and then re-opened it.It started displaying image after about 30 seconds but fortunately this time it was in the correct position.
After today's experience, i am afraid that it might not be entirely a monitor malfunction...maybe there is a problem with my graphics card output.

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Re: fresh problem
Sep 22, 2010 6:52PM PDT

The easy way to find out: try another monitor.

Kees

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not so easy
Sep 22, 2010 7:35PM PDT

I wish it was so easy as you said but...monitors dont exactly grow on trees or sold like chewing gums Happy I dont have a second one to try it on. And it is not so easy to try my graphics card elsewhere either.

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Assuming it's a hardware problem ...
Sep 22, 2010 7:50PM PDT

you'll probably need to buy something (another monitor or another videocard). Take your PC with you to a trusted computer shop and let them find out what you need.

They easily have another monitor for the diagnosis. And it's even easier for them to try your current monitor on one of their PC's.

Kees

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Rock and hard place
Sep 22, 2010 11:30PM PDT

While I realize some users may not be able to test elsewhere their devices, it is the most common and straight-forward thing to do, swap and test. You needn't own but have access to such, maybe a friend or work or even school lab, etc.. As mentioned, you can try a local shop for some cost or maybe not as future sale may hinge on outcome. Otherwise, you maybe trying this or that and really getting nowhere or frustrated at least. If it comes down to bad h/w, then you need to buy or replace when capable. You can try Craigslist(local?) or even the local Goodwill, etc. as older CRT monitors are easily low cost if available. -----Willy Happy

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thanks
Sep 23, 2010 5:38AM PDT

I would like to thank you both for your replies.I do agree that the best way to figure this out is by trying to another computer. That is probably something i am going to have to try, but not for now. I recently broke my leg and as you can understand, moving to stores and testing is not something easy for me this period so i was hoping for a more indoor solution Happy But since there is no other way i will be patient and try that once i am in a better condition.