Computer problems once again

[kbkids]

Okay - it's me again - battling again with this crazy computer. The screen keeps powering down - computer doesn't shut off, just the monitor. It completely shuts off - I push the power button, it comes back on. I'm not losing anything that I was working on, but it sure is annoying. I've checked all the connections, and they are plugged in securely. Any idea??

 

[BunsenH]

Have you checked the "Power" settings for the monitor?

Right click on desktop
Properties
Screen Saver
Power

See if the monitor is set to turn off after n minutes.

 

[kbkids]

Have you checked the "Power" settings for the monitor?

Right click on desktop
Properties
Screen Saver
Power

See if the monitor is set to turn off after n minutes.

It does say after 20 minutes, but I THINK it has always been that way. I was thinking that was after 20 minutes of inactivity ? ? ? What should it be on?

 

[BunsenH]

You are correct that the time selected is after no activity. Try setting it to "Never" to see if the problem goes away.

(This is a desktop PC, not a laptop, correct?)

If the problem persists, the monitor may be faulty. Can you borrow another monitor to confirm this?

 

[kbkids]

You are correct that the time selected is after no activity. Try setting it to "Never" to see if the problem goes away.

(This is a desktop PC, not a laptop, correct?)

If the problem persists, the monitor may be faulty. Can you borrow another monitor to confirm this?

Yeh, it's a desktop. It's our only monitor, so it's just guesswork at this point. Do you know if Dell can tell over the phone, i.e. however it is they look at the system long distance like that - that still amazes me! - anyway, can they tell if it's a faulty monitor?

 

[BunsenH]

Did it still shut off after changing the setting to Never and rebooting?


I think that the best Dell can do is to eliminate the possiblility that the PC is the problem by having you perform some tests. If you are still under warranty, it's worth the time to call them.

Some other ideas:
When the monitor shuts down, is anything displayed such as "no input signal"?
Is it plugged directly into the wall? into a power strip? Try the wall, the power strip may have a problem.
Do you know someone with a laptop? Your monito caould be connected to it as an additional test.
Try swapping the PC and monitor power cords. The monitor cord could be bad.(A stretch, I know)