Monitor suddenly not working

[coachnate10]

OK...just bought a new (refurbished) computer from Fry's.

HP running Vista Home Premium 32 bit with 3gb memory and an Athlon X2 6000 processor.

I am using the monitor I used with my last computer, a flat screen from Acer.

When I hooked up the new computer today, everything was working great, including the monitor. At some point when the computer was updating through Microsoft Live Update, I did see it say something about a driver for the Acer monitor...The update downloaded and everything was still perfect.

I was installing Norton and had to leave for a couple hours and when I came back the screen was black but still on. The orange light was on and when I turned it off and on it said "no signal." I played with the connections and turned everything off and on and restarted the cpu and nothing worked.

I tried the monitor on the previous computer and it worked. Tried it again on the new and the same thing--doesn't even know it's there---no signal.

Now, the VGA connector (or whatever comes out of the back of the computer) seems to move a little and has a little bit of play when I plug the monitor in. I don't know if the connector is faulty.

The thing that's weird is that it was working great just a couple of hours ago. And it still works on the old computer.

What is the deal?

 

[G0AOZ]

It's a possibility the VGA connector is faulty, but unlikely. It sounds like maybe the video resolution has been set too high for the monitor, hence won't display.

Two things to try. Keep tapping the <F8> key immediately after switching on the computer. You're looking to get to a Startup menu BEFORE Windows loads. First try the option "Last known good configuration...". This may allow you to boot up with the first screen resolution that was chosen. If it does, go and check out display settings in Control Panel.

Second. Try the same as above but choose "Safe Mode". Again, if it flys, alter display settings, etc.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[wahnula]

Coachnate10,

The LAST thing you want to hear is about going into Safe Mode, but this might be your ticket. Do a System Restore (Start==>Programs==>Accessories==>System Tools==>System Restore)to the time before you installed the MS driver from Windows Update.

As a rule, if you see hardware updates in Windows Update, ignore them, and go the manufacturer's site for the latest driver if you care. I usually don't if the hardware is working normally. Be very careful about what you install from WU, critical updates are all I get from them. If it ain't broke...

Another option is to take it back to Fry's and explain what happened. There should still be some warranty in effect even though it's a refurb.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[BadBigBen]

if the monitor is hooked up and powered on, before you power up the PC, does it display the BIOS (or POST) information at all?

if not, then you have a hardware problem, e.g. the GFX card is damaged or loose connector (cold solder spot)...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[coachnate10]

Restarted computer and started hitting f8 immediately and the screen started working. Didn't have to go to safe mode though and it's been fine since...weird.

Thanks for your help guys, especially the the tips about the hardware updates from WU.

 

[BadBigBen]

Ok, glad it was just a hick-up...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[franklin97355]

For reference next time. There was nothing wrong with your monitor, it was/is the computer that has the problem.

The answer is "42"