Break down between computer and monitor

mich · Mar 10, 2013

DELL desk top inspiron 530. running Vista home with all updates installed.

On three separate occasions at start up I have been presented with a blank monitor (black) it is not a faulty monitor just not receiving from computer, rebooting just the computer does not fix it but switching main power plug off for a couple of minutes does the trick, this has just happened for the third time in a month, I have run error check but obviously this does not fix, all cables appear to be tight and sound, is this a sign that something is about to go belly up???

Allan D · Mar 11, 2013

Hello Mich,

In order to assist you further, please help me understand few details about the issue.
-- What is the color of the power LED of the tower (desktop) and the monitor when you get the black screen?
-- Is it a complete black screen or do you get any error message?
-- Were there any recent hardware or software changes?
-- What are the external peripherals connected to the computer?

I would suggest couple of things that can be tried whenever you get a black screen.
1. Disconnect all the external peripherals and try to restart the computer.
2. Run the Pre-Boot SystemAssessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. This would prove the functionality of the hardware components of the computer. Run the test and check if gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action.

Please write back with the details, would be glad to assist you further.

mich · Mar 11, 2013

Tower colour is green, and monitor does not show error. No software changes that I am aware of, peripherals only a Vodafone modem with WiFi.
Regarding System assessment is this part of the “DELL Restore” which I have done?

Patonb · Mar 12, 2013

When you boot, do you get a DELL screen?

mich · Mar 12, 2013

Patonb said:
When you boot, do you get a DELL screen?

When the problem presents the screen is blank and a reboot by switching off computer does not fix, but reboot by pulling main plug fixes and of course DELL screen then appears.

Allan D · Mar 13, 2013

Hello Mich,

Pre-Boot SystemAssessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics is not a part of Dell Restore. It is a hardware diagnostics which runs a test on all the hardware components in the computer and would tell us if any of them is malfunctioning. I would request you run the test and write back with results. To run the test please follow the steps mentioned below:
-- Restart the computer.
-- Keep tapping the F12 key on the Dell Logo Screen.
-- From the One time boot menu select Diagnostics and Press Enter.
-- It runs a test on all the hardware components.
Please try the steps and write back with results. I would also like to know how many cable are you using to connect the monitor to the system tower.

Awaiting your response!

mich · Mar 13, 2013

Allan D said:
Hello Mich,

Awaiting your response!

Only one connecting cable from monitor to tower
After switching PC on and hitting F12.
I do not get (One time boot menu) I get as follows:

Select boot service device:

HARD DISC SATA O Hitachi………
Bootable add in cards
CD Rom
Utility Partition.

So I chose Hard disc sata and hit enter…….. Which is also the default selection.
The screen then goes blank for a couple of seconds and the PC starts up as per normal ?? Nothing is happening.

Allan D · Mar 14, 2013

Hello Mich,

Thank you for replying. I also appreciate your effort to troubleshoot the issue. To run the diagnostics, once you get the options to select the boot device, select Utility Partition to run the test.

Please run the test and write back with results.

mich · Mar 14, 2013

OK, Tried extended test but it was too complicated test after test a screen full of symbols and I had to say if it was correct or not how on earth would I know then it started on the monitor screen with test after test ……..???? I aborted.
I settled for the express test which gave the following:
Service tag
Error code OFOO : 137B
Msg DVDRW-1 Drive media is missing or blank
That’s it. I assume that meant that there was no CD inserted.

Note: Service Tag number deleted for security reasons.

Allan D · Mar 15, 2013

Hello Mich,

The error code 0F00:137B means "Blank media or no media is present in optical drive. Test requires media with data (Resource CD, Installation CD)" In order to test the optical drive, it needs the Resource CD or the Installation CD to be inserted in the optical drive.

However, regarding the hardware diagnostics, I would request you not to abort the test as we would not be able to get the correct results. I would also suggest you to check if the computer is booting in safe mode. To boot into safe mode, restart the computer and keep tapping F8. Once the computer enters the Advanced Boot Options, select safe mode and press Enter. Check if the computer boots to desktop screen.

Please try the steps and write back with results. I would also request you not to put any personal details like; System Service Tag, Telephone Number, Email address on public forum due to privacy reasons.

wither 3 · Mar 16, 2013

Is your main power for your computer on a switched power source? That's what it appears from your first post. Have you tried just plugging it directly into the wall outlet.

mich · Mar 16, 2013

Allan, thanks for your help but it is just too complicated for me [a screen full of symbols, hundreds] and I am asked is this right....heck I don't even know what they mean individually so I will just have to put up with it, by the way it has not happened again??

Regarding the service tag being made public is this really a security threat?

mich · Mar 16, 2013

wither 3 said:
Is your main power for your computer on a switched power source? That's what it appears from your first post. Have you tried just plugging it directly into the wall outlet.

It goes through a 6 plug adapter - surge protector - mains.

wither 3 · Mar 16, 2013

There may be an intermittent problem there. That's why I suggested plugging the power into the wall outlet as a test.

mich · Mar 17, 2013

No power break the lights are on all the time, and monitor to tower OK

wither 3 · Mar 17, 2013

I guess you're saying that plugging it into the wall outlet, instead of the surge protector, gets rid of the problem?

If so, please show this thread is solved.

If you wish you can click on the left icon at the bottom of your post to add to my reputation. It's up to you.

mich · Mar 18, 2013

There is not a power interruption, all lights on tower, monitor and keyboard are on and stay on, I appreciate the efforts that you and Allan are making but at the moment for some reason things are OK can I suggest that unless it happens again we leave things as they are.

wither 3 · Mar 18, 2013

It's fine with me.

Break down between computer and monitor

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