windows xp pro "no signal" then reboots

[Guest]

As above, then restarts with no problems - any idea what is causing this or
how to find out what the problem is. Thank you

 

[Malke]

As above, then restarts with no problems - any idea what is causing this or
how to find out what the problem is. Thank you

"No signal" means that no signal is getting to your monitor from your
video card. Since we know nothing about your computer, your monitor, or
what changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't (if
anything), that's as specific as I can get. The usual troubleshooting
steps for video issues are:

1. Attach the computer (assuming it is a desktop machine) to a different
monitor. If all is well, there is a problem with the first monitor. Look
for bent pins, etc. Usually you will wind up replacing the monitor.

2. If the problem occurs when the computer is connected to a different,
known-working monitor then start by swapping out the video card for a
known-working one since the issue is with the computer and not the monitor.


Malke

 

[z1z1z1]

"No signal" means that no signal is getting to your monitor from your
video card. Since we know nothing about your computer, your monitor,
or what changed between the time things worked and the time they
didn't (if anything), that's as specific as I can get. The usual
troubleshooting steps for video issues are:

1. Attach the computer (assuming it is a desktop machine) to a
different monitor. If all is well, there is a problem with the first
monitor. Look for bent pins, etc. Usually you will wind up replacing
the monitor.

2. If the problem occurs when the computer is connected to a
different, known-working monitor then start by swapping out the video
card for a known-working one since the issue is with the computer and
not the monitor.


Malke

If the problem were just with the monitor/cable, I doubt that it would
reboot automatically (and it likely wouldn't restart ok after that).

Does this happen every time you start up, or only at "random" times?
Does it happen when the computer is cold after being off for a while, or
when it is still hot from running?
Does this happen after a power-on from a power-off state, or after a
"restart" without power off, or after a "shut down"? Note that "shut
down" usually leaves some power on your motherboard - you have to flip a
physical switch or pull the plug to totally power off. The power button
on the front does not cut the power, it just signals the motherboard to
turn most power off.
Does it happen after you have run certain programs (especially something
that may involve heavy video use such as a game), or perhaps when
something has ended abnormally?

If this happens every time, or you can predict which times it will - can
you go into the computer's BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or perhaps
another key right after power-on)? If you can't get this far, it is
likely a hardware problem as it has not started Windows at this point.
Next, try going into Safe Mode (hold F8 while Windows starts). This may
let you get into Windows if it is a driver or other software problem. If
this works, you may then be able to reinstall the video driver or look
for other software errors.

If you have access to another video card, you can try all of the above
with it installed in place of your current one. Another hardware "fix"
would be to pull your video card and memory sticks and clean all the dust
from the contacts, then reinsert.
If your video is on the motherboard instead of a separate card, you may
still be able to install another card, which often automatically disables
the onboard video.

 

[Guest]

happened again, this time got chance to send error message - received one
from microsoft suggesting "consider bios upgrade". couldnt determine exact
cause but noticed that bios system does not match spec for cpu etc. this is
a tiny pc of which nothing has been changed. I am only a basic user what to
do next?

 

[Malke]

happened again, this time got chance to send error message - received one
from microsoft suggesting "consider bios upgrade". couldnt determine exact
cause but noticed that bios system does not match spec for cpu etc. this is
a tiny pc of which nothing has been changed. I am only a basic user what to
do next?

Sounds like hardware failure. Since you say you are a "basic user", take
the machine to a professional computer repair shop. This will not be
your local version of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad. Get recommendations
from family, friends, and colleagues. Have all your data backed up
before taking it into the shop (if possible).


Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks - is there nothing I can do in the meantime. I dont know of anyone
personally and because they know that you dont, well I think I would rather
buy a new unit! I have downloaded a file to determine the bios/processor