Video problems

The system is running but there is no display

Probable Cause

 

Solution

 

 

 

The monitor is not turned

Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned

on.

 

on. If power is applied to the monitor, the green

 

 

 

power LED should illuminate.

 

 

 

The monitor’s data cable

Make sure the monitor’s data cable is

is not connected.

 

connected to the video controller on the back

 

 

 

of the system.

 

 

 

The connector or cable is

Check the connector and cable for bent or

damaged.

 

damaged pins.

 

 

 

The monitor is defective.

Connect a working monitor to the computer.

 

 

 

The monitor’s brightness

Adjust the brightness and contrast knobs to the

and contrast controls are

center position.

turned down.

 

 

 

 

 

The video card is not

Open the system and reseat the video card.

seated correctly.

 

 

 

 

 

The video card is not

Make sure the card is compatible with your

compatible with the

system. Try a different PCI video card.

system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important

 

Some systems may have a built-in video adapter, so there

 

 

may not be a video adapter to remove and replace.

 

 

 

 

The text on the display is dim or difficult to read

Probable Cause

Solution

 

 

The monitor’s brightness

Adjust the brightness and contrast knobs until

and contrast controls are

the text becomes clear.

turned down.

 

 

 

Sunlight is glaring off the

Position the monitor away from the sun or

display.

window.

 

 

The CRT may be old.

Replace the monitor.

 

 

Video problems

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