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28 Posts
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15095
November 12th, 2003 17:00
Monitor doesn't show image when computer turned on
I have a Dimension 8250 and a 1900FP digital flat monitor which I purchased together in Nov, 2002. Beginning in late spring of 2003 I noticed that at times when I turned on the computer and the monitor, the monitor displayed no image. I found I could correct this by trying to tighten the screws of the plug attaching the monitor cord to the computer. I did this so many times that I wore thru the plastic covering over the screws with the pliers I finally was reduced to using. Finally in June I reported this problem to Dell service and it was decided a repairman would come to install a new monitor cord and a new video card. The repair man who came said he found no explanation for the original problem. After the installation, the problem disappeared for about a month then restarted intermittently. I can still make the problem disappear by trying to tighten the screws (which are never very loose) and jiggling the plug connecting the monitor cord to the computer. I've noted what seems to be a fair amount of play involving that connection which is why I jiggle the plug. When I called Dell support for the 2nd time in October, the person who answered didn't seem to understand the problem and said he had no explanation. He did give me a case number to call if the problem persists. Today, it occurred again. Any ideas?
Pogomom
28 Posts
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November 13th, 2003 17:00
Continuing the story... Today when I turned on the computer the monitor displayed an image I'd not seen before. It was a floating box proclaiming "Dell/Self-test featue check" above bands of red, green, blue and white. Since I couldn't find this message referred to in either my computer or monitor manual, I called Dell Support. After telling me to check the connections which I already had done, they decided to send me a new monitor. I will post a follow-up to let you know whether or not this solves my problem.
Pogomom
28 Posts
0
November 21st, 2003 22:00
I now have the new monitor, a 1901FP, which I called Dell to help hook up. Received no help from Dell ... they actually sent me an electrical adapter which is not required for the 1901 and which I've had to return. Only got the monitor connected with advice from a fellow member of this forum.
So far the new monitor is working without the recurrence of the original problem. But I don't think the problem ever stemmed from a fault in the monitor (since I never had to touch the monitor to correct the problem) and this is backed up by the fact that I saw the colored test pattern on the old monitor which I now know (from the manual on CD which came with the new monitor) indicates a working monitor.
Will let you know the followup so in case anyone else encounters a similar problem they might benefit from my experience.
John Redcorn
410 Posts
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November 22nd, 2003 05:00
Pogomom
28 Posts
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November 22nd, 2003 17:00
John,
You may be correct but the fact that I always could correct the problem by moving the monitor cable connector at the computer end makes me doubt this. Incidently the only time I ever saw the test pattern on the monitor was after months of this problem. Always before the monitor was blank.
Will keep you informed.
Pogomom
28 Posts
0
December 6th, 2003 13:00
The problem (turning on the computer and getting a blank monitor) occurred again today with the new monitor. I corrected it as usually by turning off the computer and pushing in at the plug and trying to tighten the associated screws of the plug attaching the monitor cable to the computer. So I was correct.. the problem has never been in the monitor ..., or in the monitor cable, or the video board, all of which have now been replaced.
Next time it happens ( the problem is quite intermittent) I will just try turning the computer off and on again without touching any connections.
Does anyone have any other thought about why this problem occurs?