Why does my PC randomly lose connection to monitor whilst still running?

[Billspear]

So this has been happening recently on a Vista computer with older hardware. The monitor (an HDTV that has seemingly no issues whatsoever with regular cable) will randomly lose connection to the PC. The PC will stay running, however it seems like it will be a little quieter.

It may happen shortly after booting up while temps are still low or it may happen after a while of use. It's shut off simply while sitting at the desktop with no programs open.

The power supply fans are still blowing warm air out the back and the case fans as well. The CPU and GPU fans seem to be working, too.

I opened the side panel and tried to make sure all connections are solid with HDD as well. I don't know what else it can be.

Edit: Also the display seems to never come back on after letting it sit for a while. I am forced to hold the power button to shut down the computer. After doing so, the computer boots as normal; display comes on and the issue may or may not occur again. It's incredibly random.

 

[Neur0nauT]

Have you checked within your system BIOS for "wake up" options. It might be that your BIOS is set not to "allow wake up" via the mouse/keyboard. I would check the settings in there.

 

[Billspear]

Have you checked within your system BIOS for "wake up" options. It might be that your BIOS is set not to "allow wake up" via the mouse/keyboard. I would check the settings in there.

I suppose I will look into that now although this issue will occur even when using my computer, ie. typing, scrolling through page, etc.

 

[Neur0nauT]

If it happens when in use, then its probably not that.

Look in Windows event viewer...

START > type eventvwr (enter)
Check under the Windows Logs > System
On the right-side, select "Filter Current Log..."
Select the "Critical, Warning, and Error" checkboxes > OK

Browse through the event logs and see if you can spot any indication around when it last happened as ......specifically in relation to your display drivers. It could be that the GPU is resetting, and knocking off the display....(speaking of which....have you tried disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor from the card when this happens?)

If it turns out that your GPU is resetting, this could indicate power issues or overheating etc. Try reseating the card in the PCI-E slot. too.

 

[Billspear]

If it happens when in use, then its probably not that.

Look in Windows event viewer...

START > type eventvwr (enter)
Check under the Windows Logs > System
On the right-side, select "Filter Current Log..."
Select the "Critical, Warning, and Error" checkboxes > OK

Browse through the event logs and see if you can spot any indication around when it last happened as ......specifically in relation to your display drivers. It could be that the GPU is resetting, and knocking off the display....(speaking of which....have you tried disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor from the card when this happens?)

If it turns out that your GPU is resetting, this could indicate power issues or overheating etc. Try reseating the card in the PCI-E slot. too.

I didn't even know you can do that, thanks! I checked and I'm only getting one error and one warning and both are seemingly unrelated. One is for my Network Connection adapter link being down and the other is: "The application-specific permission settings do not grant Local Launch permission for the COM Server application with CLSID." That one shows up A LOT.

I'll check out the GPU. I was afraid that may be the issue. I was actually thinking of getting a different one soon anyway if this is the problem. It's a 8500GT (I know, ancient) and was going to swap it for an HD 4670.

 

[Billspear]

After closer inspection I realized that the fan on the GPU has seized and is no longer working. That explains why my PC works fine on nice cool nights but shuts off during the very warm days. Simple overheating issue.

 

[Neur0nauT]

If you don't use it already... Use MSI Afterburner and enable the on screen display to keep an eye on your temps. fan speeds etc. You would have maybe noticed the fan prob a little earlier on. You can have it set to toggle the info on or off while in game too.

Glad you resolved it! 😉