Monitor problems

TheMonkey · Dec 07, 2007, 15:57:33

sorry if this is in the wrong section and that i can't ask this sort of question but I'm just looking for a bit of help really.

My HP 19w has decided to randomly lose signal. PC itself stays on as if it doesn't know whats happened. I have run spybot, ad-aware, I've scanned the drive with avast. some stuff have been removed but its still happening.

ironically two weeks a go it wouldn't turn on, and now it decides to turn itself off.

can anyone help? all wires seem to be fine in the back and its not set on my computer to auto turn off after a certain time.

thanks for your help

Rik · Dec 07, 2007, 16:03:30

Feel free to ask anything you like - if we can, we'll try to help.

Do you have access to another computer you could try the monitor on (or another monitor you could try on your computer)? Often the simplest way to trouble-shoot is by elimination, and that would quickly determine whether the issue was monitor (or maybe cable) or graphics card/computer. The other thing to try would be a new cable, if you have one around.

Is the power light staying illuminated on the monitor, can you see any signs of the backlight?

TheMonkey · Dec 07, 2007, 16:13:01

Quote from: Rik on Dec 07, 2007, 16:03:30
Feel free to ask anything you like - if we can, we'll try to help.

Do you have access to another computer you could try the monitor on (or another monitor you could try on your computer)? Often the simplest way to trouble-shoot is by elimination, and that would quickly determine whether the issue was monitor (or maybe cable) or graphics card/computer. The other thing to try would be a new cable, if you have one around.

Is the power light staying illuminated on the monitor, can you see any signs of the backlight?

thanks for the speedy reply rik,

yeah, there is still a powerlight. its like when you unplug the wire going from computer to monitor, "no signal".

I could get my dads monitor and give that a go but i think i'd probably try that last because its so random when it turns off, i'd need it for a couple of days, and i think he'll need it.

or do you think thats where you'd start first? If its something as simple as a dodgy monitor, i don't want to waste my time doing other stuff

all my drivers are up to date too.

Rik · Dec 07, 2007, 16:17:44

If the power light is on, and the computer isn't complaining (not that you'd be able to see without a monitor!), then there are three main possibilities: (1) The monitor circuitry has gone intermittent, (2) The cable is faulty or (3) The graphics card has a problem. Outside of workshop conditions, the best way to test is to swap monitor & cable. If that cures the problem, then try the original monitor on the new cable. If that works, it's the cable, if the problem returns it's the monitor, if the problem persists with the new monitor and cable, it has to be the graphics card.

TheMonkey · Dec 07, 2007, 16:29:00

cool thats great rik, i'll pick myself up a new lead first and give that a go. fingers crossed

Rik · Dec 07, 2007, 16:30:18

I have, it's why my typing is so bad.

cavillas · Dec 07, 2007, 17:44:14

Also the graphics card can sometimes move slightly from its socket and cause a similar result. Check that it is in tightly.

Ted · Dec 08, 2007, 19:14:41

Try what has been suggested by (listen to Rik) others, but also to what cavillas said, i had the same problem, drove me nuts. The card wasn't, just, quite pushed in far enough!!
I blame the person who built it !!
Oh, that was me then.

cavillas · Dec 08, 2007, 19:26:54

I done that as well, that's how I know it can happen.

Simon · Dec 08, 2007, 21:44:23

It can also happen if the case is knocked by hoovering, or whatever. I quite frequently accidentally bash mine with my knee, just because of where it is, but I've been lucky nothing has come adrift so far.

Gary · Dec 08, 2007, 23:28:45

Quote from: cavillas on Dec 08, 2007, 19:26:54
I done that as well, that's how I know it can happen.

Snap

I had that issue had to push the card in a little further to seat it properly

Gary · Dec 08, 2007, 23:30:25

Quote from: Simon on Dec 08, 2007, 21:44:23
It can also happen if the case is knocked by hoovering, or whatever. I quite frequently accidentally bash mine with my knee, just because of where it is, but I've been lucky nothing has come adrift so far.

I take mine apart every two months to de cat fur it inside with a can of air, and I always check as I bang mine with my knee often as well

Simon · Dec 08, 2007, 23:43:35

How does the cat get inside it?

Gary · Dec 09, 2007, 00:10:44

Quote from: Simon on Dec 08, 2007, 23:43:35
How does the cat get inside it?

They sit in front of it so often it acts like a cat hoover Simon

Rik · Dec 09, 2007, 00:21:14

Quote from: Simon on Dec 08, 2007, 21:44:23
I quite frequently accidentally bash mine with my knee, just because of where it is

So that's not on your leg like the rest of us, Simon?

Gary · Dec 09, 2007, 00:28:04

Quote from: Rik on Dec 09, 2007, 00:21:14
So that's not on your leg like the rest of us, Simon?

Inactive · Dec 09, 2007, 00:32:40

This could be catastrophic.

cavillas · Dec 09, 2007, 09:36:16

By the way, How is the OP getting on witih his monitor now?

Gary · Dec 09, 2007, 09:59:11

I'm guessing since we have not see him, maybe he can't see us Alf

cavillas · Dec 09, 2007, 10:01:57

You could be right Gary.

Ted · Dec 09, 2007, 12:06:19

Sounds like he's had a bit of luck then

Rik · Dec 09, 2007, 12:08:09

I see you've got the feel for this place then, Ted.

Inactive · Dec 09, 2007, 12:16:21

Or it may well be that he has elected not to monitor the situation.

cavillas · Dec 09, 2007, 12:19:44

Perhaps he's hiding behind a rock like the lizard...come on keep up at the back.

TheMonkey · Dec 09, 2007, 12:23:47

hi guys, i have my spare lead and i'm just waiting for it to turn off again.

It hasn't done it again yet so i'm still waiting

typical