Monitor shuts off while computer runs

[oldandpoor]

We use Windows XP, I turned on machine & monitor, desktop came up as usual.
Five minutes later, screen went blank, heard monitor turn off, no picture but
machine still running. We blew out dust from machine, restarted, same
problem only can't get desktop at all now... that is, machine starts up,
shows big E, loading bar, monitor goes off. Nothing wierd happened before
all this. Switched monitors, not monitor problem. Switched to an older
machine and original monitor to get here, so definitely not the monitor,
rather the machine.

We CAN see the desktop through safe mode. We've got enough memory, ran
device scan and no conflicts, returned registry to previous date from last
scan, and did system restore. Anybody else have this happen or know what to
do now? Thanks for all replies.

 

[SC Tom]

We use Windows XP, I turned on machine & monitor, desktop came up as
usual.
Five minutes later, screen went blank, heard monitor turn off, no picture
but
machine still running. We blew out dust from machine, restarted, same
problem only can't get desktop at all now... that is, machine starts up,
shows big E, loading bar, monitor goes off. Nothing wierd happened before
all this. Switched monitors, not monitor problem. Switched to an older
machine and original monitor to get here, so definitely not the monitor,
rather the machine.

We CAN see the desktop through safe mode. We've got enough memory, ran
device scan and no conflicts, returned registry to previous date from last
scan, and did system restore. Anybody else have this happen or know what
to
do now? Thanks for all replies.

Check your Power Options settings in Control Panel. Maybe the monitor is set
to shut off after X minutes of inactivity. Does it shut off while you're
working/playing on it, or just when it's idle?

Is this something new that's happening? If so, what in hardware or software
has been installed that may have caused the problem to occur?

If that didn't fix it, and you have another video card around, try it.
Unless the card is the same as the one that's installed, you'll have to
uninstall your old drivers and install drivers for the test card.

SC Tom

 

[oldandpoor]

Dear Tom,
In reply to your post, we did check the power options for the monitor
already, as one of our previous checks. Also, as I said in my original post,
nothing strange happened just previous to this happening, such as hardware
and software installations. Now, explain to me what trying another video
card will do, what effect will it have on the part of the machine that is
causing the monitor to go black?

You had asked in general when the monitor shuts off, was it when it was idle
or when we were doing something on it, and it did it both ways, and now the
monitor won't come up at all... it just shows the big E and the loading bar,
and then switches off, as I said in my post. Thanks.
Old and Poor

 

[db]

Big E?

this looks like a splash screen
used for silent booting.

my suggestion is to access the
bios of the computer.

you can check the manual but
normally you can access the pc's
bios by pressing either the f2 key
or del key immediately after powering
up the computer.

if successful, you monitor will display
the bios.

if you are in the bios double check
to ensure the setting for silent booting
or something relevant to that big e
splash screen is disabled.

also, you may have a setting for
video or graphics shadowing.

if so, then set it to 64 megs.

but you may not have this particular
bios setting.

in any case let us know you status.


--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com

"share the nirvana mann" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[oldandpoor]

Hi db,
The big E always comes up when we turn on our machine. Mostly I was just
pointing out that the screen starts to go to the desktop, and then the
monitor quits displaying while loading. However, my husband can pull up the
bios and check all that out, so thanks for that tip. By the way, the
previous poster Tom said something about putting in a diff video card, and
you had said something about video shadowing in bios, and I wonder are those
two similar ideas? Thanks.
Old and Poor
........

 

[db]

yeah put some megabytes into video
shadowing incase it is set to zero.

the prior suggestion of the other
postologist is an implication that the
graphics driver may be corrupt.

but the fact is that you can see the bios
implies that the monitor and the connections
are functional at the basic input output
system level, ie. bios


so the next step is to see if the video
shadowing has helped the situation,

if not then reboot and access
the safemodes.

to access safaemodes hold
down the f8 key during booting.

this will bring up the diagnostics
boot menu.

you can try selecting "last known
good configuration" to see if this
is a quick and easy fix.

if not, then access launch a
safemode and see if a system
restore is possible.

if system restore doesn't work
then give us a status.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[SC Tom]

Dear Tom,
In reply to your post, we did check the power options for the monitor
already, as one of our previous checks. Also, as I said in my original
post,
nothing strange happened just previous to this happening, such as hardware
and software installations. Now, explain to me what trying another video
card will do, what effect will it have on the part of the machine that is
causing the monitor to go black?

If the video card has gone or is going bad, you would more than likely have
a black screen.

You had asked in general when the monitor shuts off, was it when it was
idle
or when we were doing something on it, and it did it both ways, and now
the
monitor won't come up at all... it just shows the big E and the loading
bar,
and then switches off, as I said in my post. Thanks.
Old and Poor

Does the "big E" mean that this is an eMachine?

SC Tom

 

[Buffalo]

We use Windows XP, I turned on machine & monitor, desktop came up as
usual. Five minutes later, screen went blank, heard monitor turn off,
no picture but machine still running. We blew out dust from machine,
restarted, same problem only can't get desktop at all now... that is,
machine starts up, shows big E, loading bar, monitor goes off.
Nothing wierd happened before all this. Switched monitors, not
monitor problem. Switched to an older machine and original monitor
to get here, so definitely not the monitor, rather the machine.

We CAN see the desktop through safe mode. We've got enough memory,
ran device scan and no conflicts, returned registry to previous date
from last scan, and did system restore. Anybody else have this
happen or know what to do now? Thanks for all replies.

Find the latest drivers for your video card (copy them from another
computer) and then uninstall and reinstall the video drivers in Safe Mode.

If this doesn't work, it may mean you need a new video card.
Buffalo

 

[Bob Lucas]

Just to add to previous comments.

The cause of this problem is almost certainly a result of
defective hardware - OR incorrect configuration of the computer.

If the OP's problem is a recent occurrence - and the OP's
computer configuration hasn't changed in any way - then impending
hardware failure is a real possibility. Before changing any
configuration settings, I would investigate potential hardware
problems.

I experienced intermittent symptoms several months ago. The
Power Options of the computer were configured correctly to turn
off the monitor after a period of inactivity. When that
happened, the monitor display would go blank. Then, it would
read "No signal" for a few seconds, before the internal firmware
of the monitor placed it into power-saving / standby mode.

When I started to use my computer again, the monitor did not
always respond to the subsequent activity - so the display
remained blank. When that happened, I was able to reactivate the
display by switching off the power supply to the monitor for a
few moments and then, restoring the power supply. I suspected
that the monitor was not responding to the video output from the
computer. It transpired that there was a fault in the cable
connection between the computer and the monitor - and a new cable
resolved the problem.

I am not saying that the OP has a defective cable. However, the
first step must be to check the connection between the computer
and the monitor. Are the connectors firmly seated at both ends?

Does the OP have access to another computer - and/or to a
different monitor? If so, a process of elimination might
identify the cause.

Connect the original monitor to a different computer. If the
symptoms continue, then that will point to a problem with the
monitor. If the symptoms disappear, then the OP must look
elsewhere.

Otherwise, connect a different monitor to the main computer. If
the OP experiences the same problem with a different monitor,
then the problem definitely lies with the computer or the cable -
most probably with the video card.

If the monitor, the video card, and the connecting cable are all
OK, then the OP will need to check the configuration settings. I
have nothing to add to previous advice in that respect.

 

[oldandpoor]

All,
I just wrote an amusing and extensive response to each and every one of you,
and when I went to post it, substitute machine we're using threw me off.
Right now husband is running a lengthy deep scan of our faulty machine, so
I'll come back tomorrow and report anew of situation. By then he'll have had
a chance to review all posts again, and I'll be even better prepared to
update everyone, and I thank all of you for the time you've taken so far to
help us.
Old and Poor

 

[oldandpoor]

Dear All,
After a big scan, we got it back to where at least the desktop makes an
appearance for about five minutes before it gives up the ghost. Husband has
a question. Since we can operate the machine in safe mode, would it still be
the video card that's having a problem? And my question is, is it possible
there are too many Startup programs firing off when desktop loads? Any
further ideas than what has been suggested?
Thanks.

 

[db]

the difference is that safemode loads
"only" core / pure window system files,

while normal mode loads some
windows system files plus third
party files that were installed in
to windows.

(a) therefore, look towards reinstalling
the device driver for the monitor.

--------------------
there is a method to have some
aspect of the normal mode function
like safemode and it is known as
a clean boot.

maybe the method will help.

(b) bascially, click on start>run>msconfig

under start up tab uncheck/disable
any items that are checked and
jot them down.

under services tab "hide" all microsoft
service and uncheck what remains.

you may want to jot them down too.

then reboot and ignore the pop
screen stating that you are in
diagnostic mode.

---------------------------
( c) you may also want to double
check the virtual memory size.

if it is overstated or under stated,
then it may be affecting your graphics.

my suggestion for the virtual memory
size is setting it to a custom size and
set the initial size to 2 and the max to
1150.

then press set and reboot.

----------------------------

--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com
- nntp Postologist
~ "share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[oldandpoor]

Thanks so much for the tips, db. I will let husband know of your ideas.
We'll let you know what happens.

 

[oldandpoor]

DB and others,
So much water under the bridge... but husband found three errors in event
viewer, the first of which we are the most suspicious of, and we're wondering
how to fix:

1. boot or system start driver failed to load... symtdi
2. service control manager camera driver failed
3. spydetector service failed

That is an abbreviated list. We also realized when machine is loading and
desktop visible, takes forEVER for wee green light to quit flashing and
grinding its way to freedom. Suggested to me something happening during
startup, so above #1 might be culprit.

I apologize that I haven't done the customary response to each of your
careful suggestions to us, but we are like one-armed wallpaper hangers with
all this, as well as brain damaged and done.
Thanks for any further help. Old and Poor
......

 

[db]

well that's interesting.

how did he acquire a view of the
event viewer if the monitor is
deemed unpredicatable.

in any case, here is something
you can try. it's an old trick:


boot up and after you select
normal boot from the diagnostic
menu

hold down the right shift key
and don't let go until you see
the first incon appear on the
desktop.

--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com
- nntp Postologist
~ "share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[oldandpoor]

Hi db,
Well, I think I may have mentioned this before, but we are doing all our
investigations from "Safe Mode" on the "faulty" machine. And then, sometimes
what he does after running a diagnostic, he'll go online using our other
"good" machine and copies down the errors or whatever. I think I've got that
right, as to how he threads a needle thru a camel's eye. As for your tip, I
have copied it for husband, and this afternoon he will fool with it. We'll
let you know what happens, and thank you for the ideas.

Also, would like some feedback about the idea that perhaps at a previous
time, we may have removed a Symantac Corp Norton thingamagig, and it left a
remnant that is preventing some of our startup stuff to load? We sure don't
want to fool with the registry to get rid of it, maybe there is a back way?
To be continued...
Old and Poor (GG)
........

 

[db]

Well when it comes to Norton you
May have to go to its home site for
The instructions on proper removal.

I'm not a fan of Norton as it has long
Tentacles that intertwine with the o.s.
and the boot sector too.

and when you remove it, it takes
some of the o.s. with it, figuratively

so perhaps, you do have an interesting
theory.

--------------------

unfortunately, however the remnants
that could affect your system may be
in the registry.

---------------------
what may be a solution for you if the
safe boot (not safemode) that I
previously mentioned to you proves
unhelpful,

then perhaps a repair installation on the
o.s. is needed to restore missing or
corrupt system files.

however, this would require that your
o.s. on the disk is the same version as
the winxp cd.

----------------------

that being said, you might also try to
reboot with a cd, launch the recovery
console and do a chkdsk.

a chkdsk will re index the files to the
master file table.

sometimes it is a good idea to run
a chkdsk once in a while especially after
many installs and uninstalls of programs.


--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com
- nntp Postologist
~ "share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Buffalo]

Hi db,
Well, I think I may have mentioned this before, but we are doing all
our investigations from "Safe Mode" on the "faulty" machine. And
then, sometimes what he does after running a diagnostic, he'll go
online using our other "good" machine and copies down the errors or
whatever. I think I've got that right, as to how he threads a needle
thru a camel's eye. As for your tip, I have copied it for husband,
and this afternoon he will fool with it. We'll let you know what
happens, and thank you for the ideas.

Also, would like some feedback about the idea that perhaps at a
previous time, we may have removed a Symantac Corp Norton
thingamagig, and it left a remnant that is preventing some of our
startup stuff to load? We sure don't want to fool with the registry
to get rid of it, maybe there is a back way? To be continued...
Old and Poor (GG)

Perhaps you should find the proper video drivers for that machine and
uninstall the old ones and install the new ones.
This can be done from Safe Mode.
Or
Just reinstall the old video drivers.
As far as Symantec goes, they have a removal program on their website that
removes almost all of the remnants that are left behind when doing a normal
uninstall of their product.
Buffalo
PS:I'm not that fanmilar with XP, but if you go into Device Manager you may
be able to reinstall the video drivers from there.
It should be listed under Display Adapters.
You can also look under Monitors in Device Manager to make sure you have the
proper drivers for it.
Sometimes there are multiple video displ;ay adapters and monitors listed and
this can cause problems.

 

[oldandpoor]

DB and All,
This will be my last post. Husband is saving everything in computer to his
peripheral drive in preparation for starting whole machine over with original
disk. Sob. However, I did find a solution at another post that fixed a
similar problem to what we have, which was to put in the Windows XP disk (we
don't have that) and after going thru a few steps, run the "Repair" portion
of it. I'm leaving that tip for posterity. Husband did try a number of
suggestions in this thread that he could, and I thank you for those. Sorry
again for not giving proper feedback, but after a while, neither of us knew
what we had done.
Old and Poor (GG)
........