Sounds like you got an ATi video card in the machine. Go to Display Properties/Advanced and try to find a checkbox with "Alternate DVI Operational Mode". If it's off, turn it on. If it's on, turn it off.
It's a known issue with ATi video cards and Dell LCDs. It's actually Dell's fault and you can contact Dell Tech to have the upgrade the firmware of the monitor (I'm guessing you have a 1901FP or 2001FP).
Hi Kilmar
Thanks for the advice, I found the "Alternate DVI Operational Mode" check box, and found that it wasn't turned on, so i did. And so far, so good! Will give it a little more time before I can say for sure.
Just a few more questions though... what does firmware upgrade mean? I'm pretty new to this! From what I can tell, I think that we have a 1704FPT monitor(??)
Can I get the firmware upgrade off the internet? or do i have to try and ring the Dell support line? and what advantage would there be in the upgrade if your suggestion has in fact solved the problem??
The monitor randomly goes blank. In saying blank, i mean black... no image at all, and will frequently go into standby as if the signal is not coming through. I only sometimes get the error message: 2: DIGITAL INPUT CAN NOT DISPLAY THIS VIDEO MODE. THis usually pops up when the computer has gone blank, and then gone into standby mode (amber led light). It flicks between standby mode and normal functionality all the time.
This happens while using the computer... it usually starts up anywere between 5-10 minutes of turning the computer on!! and continues randomly from there....
Very frustrating, because it's almost impossible to use the computer when this is happening...
I have also posted on the "monitor" site as well... with a little more info about my computer, i've copied the important bits for you:
I have a 17" FP monitor (1704FPT monitor).
Using Windows XP Home edition
Currently using the VGA (blue cable) after being advised to do so by Dell tech support.
Runninig at 1280x1024 res. refresh rate is 60htz.
video card is: RADEON X300 Series
Monitor driver says: "No driver files are required or have been loaded for this device" (?? Is that right??)
Have tried ringing Dell Tech support a number of times. They suggested using the VGA cable instead of the DVI cable. Its such a random problem thats its hard to tell if this has resolved the problem (and if it has, is it a valid solution?)
I don't really understand enough about it to really appreciate how switching cables will help. Was also told to check the status of the "lights" at the back of the box when the problem is occuring.
I don't really know what else to do... Hope this extra information helps,
Kilmar
32 Posts
0
January 31st, 2005 15:00
Brujita
6 Posts
0
February 1st, 2005 06:00
Thanks for the advice, I found the "Alternate DVI Operational Mode" check box, and found that it wasn't turned on, so i did. And so far, so good! Will give it a little more time before I can say for sure.
Just a few more questions though... what does firmware upgrade mean? I'm pretty new to this! From what I can tell, I think that we have a 1704FPT monitor(??)
Can I get the firmware upgrade off the internet? or do i have to try and ring the Dell support line? and what advantage would there be in the upgrade if your suggestion has in fact solved the problem??
thanks again for your help,
Brujita.
Brujita
6 Posts
0
February 1st, 2005 06:00
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
•
56.9K Posts
0
February 2nd, 2005 17:00
What are the conditions when this occurs? I mean, does it occur in the middle of usage, when powered from a powered off state or what?
Brujita
6 Posts
0
February 2nd, 2005 18:00
Very frustrating, because it's almost impossible to use the computer when this is happening...
I have a 17" FP monitor (1704FPT monitor).
Using Windows XP Home edition
Currently using the VGA (blue cable) after being advised to do so by Dell tech support.
Runninig at 1280x1024 res. refresh rate is 60htz.
video card is: RADEON X300 Series
Monitor driver says: "No driver files are required or have been loaded for this device" (?? Is that right??)
Have tried ringing Dell Tech support a number of times. They suggested using the VGA cable instead of the DVI cable. Its such a random problem thats its hard to tell if this has resolved the problem (and if it has, is it a valid solution?)
I don't really understand enough about it to really appreciate how switching cables will help. Was also told to check the status of the "lights" at the back of the box when the problem is occuring.