[cats2003meow]

Windows XP computer w/ flat screen XP monitor.

I hope there is a simple solution for this problem because I've been having so many problems with my computer I'm just about ready to throw in the towel (lol). Just kidding guys. Okay, here goes. I'm on my computer reading websites tonight, it's working just fine, running great, no problems. I'm done with the internet, looking at my desktop, and about to go to look at some files in my docs but before I do, the screen just suddenly goes black! I'm thinking uh oh, here we go again. Has anyone else had this happen before?
I move my mouse about, and turn the LCD monitor button on and off and I get a blink of the monitor desktop and then it goes black again. I try turning off the power then restarting, same thing happens. I try restarting two other ways and still the same problem. What caused this and how can I get the monitor to come back on and stay on? Also, my monitor power light does not blink on and off or anything. You turn it on and it stays on. You turn it off and it stays off. Makes me say hmmmmmm. What oh what could it be? I've even tried unplugging the monitor after I shut off the power source and plugging the cords back in. Still the same problem. Gosh, there must be something I can do? Does this sound like something serious that needs tech attention or is there a solution with some of those adjustment/function keys on the monitor itself? Help!

[Billy the Adult]

From your description it sounds like a hardware issue. Assuming all of the connections are tight I'd say it's either the monitor or video card. You might try connecting the monitor to a different computer and see if the problem persists. If so I'd say you're about to be monitor shopping. If the monitor works ok on a different computer then the video card is probably the problem.. Same situation, (if you have access to another card you can try it in your computer)..

[jcostamagna]

CatsMeow, did you ever find a solution to this problem you posted last April? I have been hit with the exact same issue this weekend. Curious how it turned out for you. thanks.

[IThurts]

We have had this issue before on many machines.
LCD monitors sometimes have dodgy backlights which, either through power issues or incorrect information being fed to it, will turn off. This means that if you look hard enough, you can still make out the icons on your desktop. This is also obvious when you turn the monitor off and on; you get a few seconds of picture and then it goes black (the power light should stay green on the monitor in this instance).

We have always had to replace the monitors. If you have a spare monitor you can test on your machine, you can see if it is this problem or a video card issue.

[jcostamagna]

Thank you. that seems to be what everyone is telling me. I appreciate the feedback. Looks like I'll be getting a new monitor!
Joe