E173FP Monitor Black--Power Save Mode Issues

Question

I have a 3 year old Dell Flat Screen Monitor (E173 FP). Recently, while it was working it suddenly went black and has remained so despite my (1) rebooting, (2) unplugging and replugging and (3) disconnecting and reconnecting the cable to the computer. Also, the on/off button either is alternately green and amber or just stays amber. Holding the power button in does not turn the power to the monitor off (only by unplugging can I turn off). The manual says the amber indicates that the monitor is in 'DPMS power save mode' but doesn't explain what that is or how I can make it go away. I've found some posts on the board, but nothing that seems to save the day. Any ideas? Incidentally, if it matters, I have a Dimension 4700 Series with Windows XP. Thanks.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

stanton419,

* Turn off the monitor
* Plug the monitor power cord directly into the wall socket to remove any surge protectors or APCs from the troubleshooting equation
* Unplug the monitor cable from the video card
* Turn on the monitor
* The floating dialog box should appear on-screen (against a black background). If it does, the monitor is working correctly. Look to the video card driver or the video card itself as the culprit

stanton419 · Answer

After being away from this for a while I tried your suggestion. When I plugged the monitor in directly to the wall the screen remained black completely (no floating dialogue box appeared). The on/off button continued to flash green/amber/green/amber. Holding that button in did nothing--didn't turn the monitor (or at least the flashing of the button) off. None of the other buttons cause anything to happen. The screen stays black. Do I (a) try something else, (b) throw it away or (c) try having it repaired? What do you think? Thanks.

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