black screen

Question

i haven't used my desk top computer for awhile and i turned it on yesterday and fiqured that i'd have a good while for updates. i started the computer and when the desktop and icons came up the screen went blank. i tried unplugging everything and replugging no difference. i got on line and checked some things and got the suggestion to reset my monitor to factory settings, but it wouldn't stay up long enough for me to do that. if i turned it off and back on the desktop would be there, but just for a few seconds. i forgot to say that when i first turned it on it said that auto adjust was on, i think that's what it said , i unplugged it from the computer and ran the test where you get the box with the different color sections so that test worked. can someone out there please help me i'm at a loss. i also got a message when i turned off the computer that it was in power saving mode or something like that and to hit any key or move the mouse, but the computer was off so of course that didn't work lol, and i only got that message when the computer was off.

i would be grateful for any help thank you barb

osprey4 · Accepted Answer

You need a new monitor. So let me make a suggestion. Most of the monitors you'll find in stores like Best Buy and Walmart are "hi def" (1920x1080 pixels), and widescreen. So you need to shop carefully to find something like your current monitor.

Here's one from Dell for $120. Still widescreen but not the high resolution.

It's possible to fix your current monitor. You'll need either a new backlight or inverter. It requires some diagnosis to determine which one, which is why I don't normally recommend trying to fix it yourself.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi Barb,

Just to recap what you told me by PM, this is a Dimension 3000 running Windows XP.

Can you tell me the model of your monitor? When it goes black, does the power button on the monitor stay green or turn yellow?

kishie · Answer

The model number is E193FPc. The small c is on the  model number on the back, but not on the info sheet  The light stays green when the screen goes black.  dimension 3000    thank you barb

osprey4 · Answer

What I'm trying to do is narrow the problem to the computer or monitor. If the signal from the computer was being lost, you should see the monitor light go yellow. The fact that it's green indicates to me that the monitor may be at fault.

One possibility is a bad backlight on the monitor. To diagnose this, turn the computer on and when the screen goes black, shine a flashlight on it. You might be able to see the computer desktop.

kishie · Answer

ill try that. if i shut off the monitor and turn it back on right away the desktop is there, but just for a few seconds. thanks i try that.  barb

kishie · Answer

I did it and yes the desktop icons are there in the background . Now what and can i fix this myself i hope. tks barb

kishie · Answer

I would like to try to fix it,I don't have 120 dollars to get a new one. If you can tell me where to go to get the info i'll need to diagnose and fix it i would be willing to try. I'm pretty good at taking thing apart and getting in there,{except taking the side off} lol. I can't do anyharm. I feel like I'm taking up your valuble time so if you can point me in the right direction I'll get started. thanks barb

kishie · Answer

I've looked up replacing the backlight and the inverter and surprise surprise i couldn't do it, by time i bought the parts i needed and the solder and solder gun or what ever its called i would probably have already spent half of what a new monitor would cost. I want to thank you again for being such a help, for people like me living on ss its hard to keep these things current and running.again thank you. i'm not sure what i'll do,i may just live with my old laptop. I was hoping to have something that the grandchildren could use, but so it goes goodbye and thank you again barb

osprey4 · Answer

You're welcome.

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

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black screen

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