Check out the refresh rate of the screen. Try to boot to Safe Mode first, then check the settings there inside the "Monitor" section. What Windows do you have there anyway?

You may want to check out the connections also between the PC and the monitor. But I doubt it has something to do with that.

/Isxek

doesnt sound like a hardware problem to me, if you dont have any important files in that pc to backup, just format it and do a fresh reinstallation.

Thanks for that idea, but can I format it with the screen blank.. I had it formatted one time by the tech at the shop and he said that it was different and harder than doing the xp. Doesn't have a resource cd with it like the xp does.. and since I have never done it was wondering how big a chore it would be.. The printer and scanner or webcam only works on the Windows me, so would like to have it going so I don't have to buy new for the xp.. Any more suggestions, short of taking a chance with the tech that it can be fixed resaonable.

 But how am I going to do any of that with out the monitor working so I can see any thing on it.

if you prefer dell's guide:

http://support.ap.dell.com/ap/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1027295

on second thought, i think format would be overkilled, you should be able to resolve it in safe mode.

to restart in safe mode, pls follow this:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;180902

if you are able to go into safe mode, change the resolution back to what it was before.

try hold down the Ctrl key or hit F8 after you switch on the computer, if you see the startup menu, choose safe mode.

if this doesnt work, you can still restore the registry in dos mode, i will give you the instruction later.

note: you need to hit F8 repeatedly.

Thanks for that tip, but all I got when I did that was Keyboard Error.  Do you know any thing about what the blinking lights mean on the monitor.. I can find no reference to them in the hand book that came with the computer. If I can get out of this wheel chair soon, I will go to town to talk to the tech there and see if he thinks it is worth bringing it in.. Thanks for all the replies..

well, i found your monitor manual E551:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/monitors/82cgn/en/controls.htm

Monitor State/LED state
On/ Power LED is green
Standby/ Power LED is blinking amber
Suspend/ Power LED is blinking amber
Active-Off/ Power LED is blinking amber
Out of Sync.*/ All function LEDs will blink rapidly

*Either the signal is too high or too low for the monitor to use. See Specifications for the Horizontal and Vertical scan ranges addressable by this monitor.

Specifications:
Resolution
Horizontal scan range 31 kHz to 54 kHz (automatic)
Vertical scan range 50 Hz to 120 Hz (automatic)
Optimal preset resolution 800 x 600 at 75 Hz
Highest preset resolution 1024 x 768 at 60 Hz
Highest addressable resolution* 1024 x 768 at 65 Hz
* Addressable means the monitor will sync up to this mode. However, Dell does not guarantee the image will be sized and centered correctly.
================================================

if you monitor is Out of Sync (All function LEDs blink rapidly), you can reset the resolution in safe mode or restore the registry in dos.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Now I know at least it is not my computer.. I don't have any kind of a manual for the monitor... Just the little book that came with it. I did know that it worked fine untill I raised the resolution and then it went black, never to work again.. I am soooo happy.. I probably will use that computer as long as it works as I like the Windows me version much  better than the xp.. Thank you again.   Dolores

you're welcome :-)

so now what you need to do is go into safe mode to reset the resolution, give dell tech a call, they should be able to help you with the steps needed.

good luck.

Just wanted to thank you for your help. After I found out that there was nothing serious, I took it to the tech and told him what I needed and he fixed it in about ten minutes.. and only cost me ten dollars.. I didn't want to take it there if it was not going to be worth fixing. Thanks again.