PC problem

[milly143]

For some reason the moniter just keeps going blank for no apparent reason. If I turn the machine off and back on it comes back again but then after about maybe 20 seconds it just goes black and the power light on the moniter flashes. There doesn't seem to be anything that triggers it so I'm really confused. Does anyone know what might be wrong?

[martinjr]

Did you open the PC case itself? I'm asking because I did some weeks ago and disturbed a graphics card while installing extra memory. It took me many hours to track the problem down as it seemed to me that a cable was the prob. I would move the cable and the monitor would come on but drop out half way through the booting up process, ie., the pc crashed. I backtracked eventually by reopening the case and pressing all cards home in their slots. During this process I found that one of the boards was loose and after reseating it proberly all has been well.

Hope this might help - the key may be that you opened the pc box/case. I'd be interested in hearing if you did.

[milly143]

Thanks for your answer although afraid I don't think that's the problem. I don't think the pc has ever actually been opened. To be honest it is pretty old and I think it might just be on its way out.

[xrayspecs]

Check the fuses in the monitor itself.

[alphamale]

It won't be a fuse problem. If you can, connect another monitor to the computer. This will show if it's a computer or monitor problem, then take it from there.

[milly143]

Thanks. Pinching another monitor from work today for the weekend so I will see what happens.

[Dream Biker]

You say that your pc is quite old and never been opened up. The problem could be dust blocking up any cooling fan vents and causing the processor to overheat and switch off. I had this happen to my pc and a thorough hoover out and clearing of the fins on the processor heat sink cured the problem.

[milly143]

oh right, i might try that as well then. If I do take it apart, is it going to be easy for me to break something by accident?

[alphamale]

Hello Milly, it should be ok to open. If itis an old computer it may be full of dust. Take to opened unit outside and blow the dust out. Don't touch anything inside the case. The most usual problem is refitting the old cover. What I used to do was not open the case but run the vacuum cleaner nozzle over the various air vents. This worked a treat. Computer is 11 years old and still going fine (it is a Compaq - they made them very sturdy back in early 1995). I hope this helps. AlphaMale

[milly143]

Thanks again for all your answers. IT turned out just to be the monitor after all. Just have to hope now that work will temporarily let me borrow this one. :-)