Blank screen

[mikesmith 72]

Hello,i've had this dell 8400 for six years with all the problems as everyone except now the monitor will stay lit for 5 seconds and then go blank. i would turn power off and on and would do the same. looking for some advise please.

 

[Ubrales]

Try connecting a different monitor to the computer and check.

The specs show a PCI express video card. This card may be defective. Replace.

 

[al man]

Ubrales is right, we might try some extra things to doublecheck though.

I believe it's a Dimension for the model#.


Try this monitor on another system if you can. I've seen screens being on just for a moment & then going off. If picture stays up, sure it's an issue w/the PC itself, otherwise, u can think about replacing the monitor itself & keep ur computer for longer.

Otherwise,

Check if the power light on tower stays on or not, & whether it blinks or not.

A Green light means power's going thru the inside fine (most of the times), Amber means we have a component going bad or a short we can resolve by reseating internal stuff.

After that, check the back panel LEDs. These PC's should have some LED indicators on the back I believe: A, B, C & D.

Write the combination (last one after u turn the system on) down & post it.

 

[al man]

BTW, do u see the monitor itself stays back-lit?

This is a very important thing to check!