Why is it a private message. Chris M from Dell sent me a reply that made little or no sense at all. I guess it is a Dell problem. I can't fix mine either.  The monitor is fine. 

A private message means I am asking for information that we do not want publicly displayed (phone number, address, etc.). Send me what I sent you and I will try to explain it.

Hi, I have same problem. My SP2208WFP monitor goes to black right away in a couple seconds when I turn it on.

Any solution to share with me? Thanks.

Here everybody is talking about SP2208WFP monitor and you are talking about a computer?

I am sorry.  I set up an old computer until I get a chance to replace the video card.  I tried all the tricks, different cord, different monitor, and on and on.  I couldn't get a reasonable answer from anyone at Dell or otherwise.  I think the video card that was used on Dells for a while must have been defective.  It seems like there are a whole lot of people out there with the same problem.  The computer that is down is not that old.  2-3 years.  Good luck I hope you find the answer.

I did post in the right place... my monitor was black that is why you asked me.  I deduced it was my video card and not my monitor. 

ok sorry about that and thanks for trying to help me.

My video card is fine with all other monitors so my monitor itself is problematic. That's why I posted here and said my monitor has problem. not my computer.  (I have built more than 100 computers so I know computer is fine with this technical issue I have.)

Thanks anyway royalpalm.

Depends on your definition of resolved. Many customers got monitor exchanges and it fixed their issues. Other users tried a different video card and it fixed their issues. What video card are you using? What port on the video card to what port on the monitor using what cabling?

I have not resolved yet.  I am using an old computer with the monitor.  I am sure it is the video card.  By the looks of it, it is a defect that apparently many people have had.  Dell should have contacted these people and sent a new video card to them.  I have bought Dell's exclusively for years, I will never buy another one.  I'm sorry I couldn't help.  If I were you, I would pressure Dell into a new video card. Maybe they should have to help for using defective materials.  I don't have the time to chase them down.

I bought the Dell SP2208WFP Monitor on 7/10/2008 (for $300 - Still have the Receipt) and have had the same problem the entire time.  I leave my computer on 24/7 and at night I turn off the Monitor.  In the morning, when I press the power button on the monitor, its always a surprise if the monitor will turn back on OR enter its Power Save mode.  If it enters Power Save mode, then I have no choice but to do a Hard Reboot on the Computer because it does not respond to any mouse movements or keyboard presses like it says.

Video Card: Radeon X1650

Cable: DVI cable which came with the monitor

I used the same computer and video card on my previous monitor without any problems.

Considering the number  of consumer complaints about the same issue, there is obviously a quality control issue here, and it should be admitted by Dell as apposed to simply blaming everyone's Video Card.

Also, considering that the monitor is now "old", what would it take for Dell to re-evaluate the monitor and admit a problem as apposed to simply passing it on to technical support in hopes of "band-aid" fixes?

Any advise or support ?

slick1109,

* All USB mouse and keyboard should be plugged into the computers USB ports, not the monitor USB ports
* The monitor USB upstream connector cable should be plugged into a USB port on the rear of the computer
* Press the OSD (On Screen Display) Menu button
* Choose Factory Reset
* Disable DDC/CI
* Select Yes

* Open the Catalyst Control Center
* Click the plus by Graphics Settings- Digital Panel (DVI) 4 -Attributes -DVI Settings
* Remove the checks from these if available:
Reduce DVI Frequence on high-resolution displays
Alternate DVI operational mode
* Click Apply and OK

Use the Ati Tray Tools to setup a Hot Key to wake up the monitor
* Click Edit- Hot Key Properties
* Click Miscellaneous- Reload display driver
* Press ALT + T
* Click Apply and/or OK
* Now, every time your monitor goes into PSM (power save mode), you should be able to revive it by pressing ALT + T

joedowd77,

What ports are available on the video card to test on the monitor? If the monitor fails the Self-Test Feature Check, it is defective.