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How To Troubleshoot Video Display Problems

by Otis Cooper

When you have problems with your video display, it can be something as simple as having the brightness turned down to a bad controller on the motherboard. If you have not done, first learn to identify the components of the video display system.

When you look inside any open computer, see if you can locate the Video Card. Is your video card mounted in an adapter slot or is it integrated onto the motherboard. If the card is motherboard integrated, locate the jumpers that will allow the card to be disabled should you need to install another card.

The Monitor is the second component in the video display and it must be compatible with your video card. Be sure the maximum resolution of your video card and monitor are the same. Its even better to your a higher resolution display on your monitor.

Nothing on the Monitor

As we first mentioned, check the brightness and contrast buttons on the monitor to be sure they are not turned down. Yea, we know. This sounds a little silly to think this could be overlooked, but believe me, it really does.

And while we're talking about simple checks, be sure the monitor is receiving power. If the power indicator light is out, remove the power cable and look for any bent or broken pins or connectors.

Try to reboot the computer one or two times to be sure the system did not just lock up. If nothing happens, replace the cable with a known good cable to prove that the wall outlet or surge protector has power.

If the monitor has power but nothing is on the screen, check the data cable going into the rear of the computer. Be sure the cable is secure. If it is, Turn the power off to the system unit, remove the cable and look for broken, loose, or bent pins.

Finally, if you're blessed enough to have two computers, exchange the monitor with a good monitor to see if it works. Replace the old monitor if the new monitor works. If the new monitor fail as well, remove the system cover to inspect the Video Card.

Monitor Works But NO Display

When the Monitor is known to be good but its screen is still blank, the Video Card is the most likely culprit. First inspect the card to be sure it is fully seated in its slot if it is adapter slot mounted.

Check the jumpers of any motherboard mounted card to be sure a jumper has not been lost or loose. If you have been inside your system, its always a possibility to have moved the card.