No display or black screen on a computer monitor
Tip: If your
computer screen works initially when starting up the computer, but then goes
blank when Windows starts to load, see our page on how to resolve an issue
related to distorted
video after increasing resolution in Windows.
Monitor is not on
Make sure the monitor is on. If you do not see a
power LED (blue, green, or orange light) on the front of the monitor, press the
power button until it comes on. If no light comes on after several attempts,
make sure the connections are properly connected.
Computer is asleep
If your computer monitor was on and you stepped away
from the computer, then upon returning, it was black, it is likely that the
computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, or pressing any key
(e.g. spacebar) on the keyboard to wake it up.
Connections not
properly connected
Check the data cable
Make sure that you are connecting the monitor's VGA cable to the back of the computer in the 15-pin connector, as shown to the
right, or the older computer 9-pin connection.
Note: Newer
computers may be using a DVI or HDMIcable for the monitor. Make sure the data cable you are using is firmly
connected to the computer.
Check the power cable
If the data cable is plugged in, make sure the monitor
is getting power by verifying there is a light (blue, green, or orange) on the
front of the monitor.
If you see no lights on the monitor, make sure it is
connected to a working wall
outlet. If the power cord is removable from the back of the
monitor, try replacing it with another power cable. If you still cannot power
on the monitor after trying another wall outlet and cable, the monitor is bad
and should be replaced.
Check the LED status
If the monitor has a light on the front, but that
status light is orange or flashing, make sure the monitor is not in a suspend
mode by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard. If this does not
help, turn the computer and monitor off and reconnect the data cable on the
back of the computer and, if removable, on the back of the monitor. Turn the
computer and monitor back on. If you still encounter the same issue, continue
reading through the other possibilities.
Monitor settings are
not correct
Verify the brightness and contrast are turned up or adjust the brightness and contrast. If adjusting the
brightness or contrast has no effect on the monitor, continue reading through
the other possibilities.
Problem with the
computer
If the computer was working when the screen went
blank, the computer might have a problem. Try powering down the computer by
pressing and holding the power button until the computer turns off. Once the
computer is off, wait a few seconds and then try powering the computer on
again.
No POST
Does the computer beep when it is turned on or does it
sound like the computer is working? If the computer does not beep or beeps
abnormally, the computer is experiencing a hardware issue or is exhibiting a
No POST. Run through the POST
troubleshooting steps to
determine the failure.
Hardware Issue
If you have followed the above recommendations and
still have the same issue, your computer may have either a bad video card or monitor. The best method of determining this is to do one or both
of the suggestions below.
- Disconnect your monitor and connect it to another computer. For
example, try connecting it to a friend or family's computer or a computer
at a service center.
- Borrow a computer monitor and connect it to your computer.
If your monitor works on another computer, it is safe
to assume that the video card or potentially the motherboard in the computer is bad.
If another monitor works on your computer, it is safe
to assume that your monitor is bad and should be replaced. While it may be
possible to have the monitor serviced, it is often cheaper and easier to
purchase a new monitor.
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