When I turn my computer on, the screen stays black. I then punch the screen on-button, and the screen lites up for coupla seconds, then goes black again. So I punch the screen on-button again, and the same thing happens repeatedly, sometimes for 10 minutes or so, while I keep fiddling around with it, until the screen stays lite up.

What should I do, and what's causing this problem ?

Hrmmm...Well, I'm not sure. It sounds like a problem with your monitor. Try checking the connections and all that, make sure everything is plugged in good. If not, I'd say try getting a new monitor. I'm not completely sure, tho.

When I turn my computer on, the screen stays black. I then punch the screen on-button, and the screen lites up for coupla seconds, then goes black again. So I punch the screen on-button again, and the same thing happens repeatedly, sometimes for 10 minutes or so, while I keep fiddling around with it, until the screen stays lite up.

What should I do, and what's causing this problem ?

Hrmmm...Well, I'm not sure. It sounds like a problem with your monitor. Try checking the connections and all that, make sure everything is plugged in good. If not, I'd say try getting a new monitor. I'm not completely sure, tho.

Thanks. I'll wait around awhile and see if anyone else has the diagnosis before taking it to the repair shop. The connections are fine and snug.

I'm no computer-person but it sounds like it might be time to buy a new monitor. A shop would likely charge you the price of a new one to try to fix it (unless it's a high-dollar large flat-screen with warranty). You can upgrade to flat-screen now, or go on the cheap like I did and buy a used smaller screen for next to nothing. I got a 14" for $15 and, for me, it's entirely adequate.



Thanks. I'll wait around awhile and see if anyone else has the diagnosis before taking it to the repair shop. The connections are fine and snug.

It does sound like your monitor is dying. How old is it?

I had one that was doing the same thing a few months ago, and it did end up completely dying. But I found that if you smack it in the right spot, it behaves for a bit.

If you need a new monitor, check out thrift shops. I got a 17" monitor for $30 at one, and it works way better than my old one did. I think the 15" ones tend to go for about $20.

If you can find a second computer with its monitor --- switch monitors.

If the fault is your monitor, then
1. your monitor should mal-function on the second computer, and
2. the second monitor should work correctly on your computer.

If the fault is your computer, then
3. your monitor should work correctly on the second computer, and
4. the second monitor should mal-function on your computer.

Enkidu

Thanks Momus, Pixi, and Enkidu for responding. And pardon my long delay in getting back here. Been busy downloading some "stuff", and doing VonBluvens radio interview.

I kinda lean towards Pixi's diagnosis. This thing is rather old. I'll wait coupla more days or so, see if the problem continues, then try and find an inexpensive replacement, if necessary.