[Haldur]

Since yesterday, I've started having this intermittent problem when I turn on my PC -- my screen remains black (no cursor) during the entire boot process. I know that the PC is booting because I hear all of the normal sounds (including the Windows startup chimes). If I reboot, it usually fixes the problem and then I'm fine.

Here's my specs:
Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Service Pack 1, 64 bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz, Intel64 Family 6 Model 42 Stepping 7
Processor Count: 8
RAM: 16360 Mb
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580, 1535 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 1907626 MB, Free - 1648479 MB; F: Total - 1907695 MB, Free - 1392379 MB;
Motherboard: ASUSTeK Computer INC., P8P67 PRO REV 3.1
Antivirus: Norton 360, Updated and Enabled

[black-wolf]

Welcome to the forums.
Do you have another monitor that you can try?
You can also try booting with the onboard video.

[Haldur]

I don't have a spare monitor.

OK, the black screen happened again this morning, but I had an idea to try something other than what you suggested -- I flicked the monitor power off and on a few times and the picture came back.

Does this mean that my monitor is dying? Should I replace it? It is maybe 7 or 8 years old at this point so definitely out of warranty, and I'm not sure what the expected lifespan of a computer monitor is.

[black-wolf]

That is an indication that it is dying.

[Tanis]

Definately sounds like your monitor is on its way out in one way or another. Personally I would consider 7 or 8 years not too bad, especially if it has seen reasonably high use in that time.

Monitor technology has come on a long way in that time also, they aren't too expensive to buy (dependant on the size you are looking for) and you will probably see an improvement in overall picture quality with a new one.

Go on, treat yourself

[Haldur]

Thanks guys. I ordered a new monitor. The current one served me well, but I guess it's time.

[black-wolf]

You're welcome, let us know if the new monitor solved the problem.

[Haldur]

I got the new monitor today (Geez Newegg is fast!) and so far, so good. The new monitor looks awesome.

I'm pretty certain that the problem is gone. But since it was intermittent, I think I won't know for sure for a day or two.

[black-wolf]

Good news, thanks for letting us know.

[Haldur]

Ack, similar thing is happening now.

When I turn on my PC, the screen is whilte. Turning it off and on fixes that and I get the Acer logo, and then whatever is supposed to be on the screen (it's an Acer monitor).

Note that previously, I actually had to 'play' with the power switch to get the old monitor to work (plus it used to be a black screen, not a white one) so it's not precisely the same symptom, but it still bothers me that something else is wrong.

/Edit
Btw, I did submit a ticket to Acer, just in case it's an issue with the new monitor, but I did give them the history as well.

[black-wolf]

Did you change the power and video cables?

[Haldur]

I'm only using the new cables, the old ones are with the old monitor.

[black-wolf]

Reseat your video card inside your case. Try the new monitor on another computer.

[Haldur]

I don't know why, but the problem has not reoccurred even once since I last update this. If it does, I'll definitely check the video card.

I'm closing this.

[black-wolf]

Good Luck