10 Ways to fix your monitor problems

Computer monitor problems can be the result of a number of culprits, including electrical and cabling issues, interference, a problem with the computer's video adapter or drivers or a problem with the monitor itself. Use the following tips to help diagnose problems you may be having with your monitor.

Brief Troubleshooting Guide:

1. First thing first! Check to make sure your monitor is on! Some monitors have more than one power button or switch - check to make sure they're all switched on.
2. One of the most common problems is when the computer monitor fails to blink the green light, which indicates that the computer is not attached to any source of power. Most of the monitors normally include an activity light in their front which is automatically turned on as soon as the computer is switched on. However, if the monitor fails to blink the green light, it will not get turned on thus, indicating that the monitor is not able to receive any power. An individual can easily tackle this problem by checking whether the monitor plug is properly attached to the main power switch or not. Remove the electric cord from the back of the monitor, then put it back in place. Plug the monitor's electric cord into a different outlet. If you're using a UPS or surge protector, plug it directly into a wall outlet.
3. Another computer monitor problem is that the lights are turned on, yet the monitor fails to work and connect with the power switch. In such situations where the green light is turned on but the monitor is not able to depict any images on the screen, it is better to check the resolution settings. It could be possible that the brightness and contrast settings were accidentally changed, thus turning the screen pitch dark. Remove the VGA cable from the computer and monitor and put it back in place. Make sure the connection is tight. Remember that each cable has two connectors and you should verify both of them.
4. One of the main reasons why computer monitors go blank is - wetness. Believe it or not, when your computer monitor is exposed to humid air, sometimes water can condense and accumulate in the monitor. This causes the monitor to malfunction and go blank. I've had this happen to my desktop PC at least three times before. What you need to do is to leave the monitor alone for some time and allow the water to evaporate. That usually solves the problem.
5. Attach the monitor to a different computer. If the monitor still doesn't work, replace the monitor's cable. Make sure the cable is less than 5 feet long. If it still doesn't work, the monitor will need to be replaced or repaired. If it works with no problem on the other computer, troubleshoot your video card.
6. Unplug your computer from the monitor and power outlet. Remove the cover. Pull the video card out carefully of the slot on the system board. Push it back into place. Be sure the connection is secure.
7. Poor picture quality is yet another common PC monitor problem which may seem frivolous but can actually hamper the user’s performance. The image on the screen may appear blurry or distorted at times. This problem can be easily treated by restoring the default settings of the screen resolution. Some computer screens are not able to clearly represent images which have a relatively higher screen resolution. In such situations, it is better to check the resolution settings once again so that the monitor can clearly depict the image.
8. Determine whether the problem is caused by electrical interference. Electrical interference will make the monitor appear jumpy or wavy. Move any speakers, radios, fans or other items that can cause electrical interference away from the monitor.
9. If after monitor connection, the picture is still bad, enter safe mode and uninstall the monitor there to let computer reinstall it upon reboot:
1. Start the system in Safe Mode by rebooting the system and pressing the F8 key once per second while it is rebooting. Once you see the Windows Startup menu, select Safe Mode from the listed options. Press Enter.
2. Go to Start>> Right click My Computer>> Properties>> Hardware tab>> Device Manager button.
3. Click the plus (+) symbol next to the Monitors entry to expand it.
4. Once expanded, right click on the installed monitor(s) and select Uninstall.
5. Exit the Device Manager and restart your system.
10. Another common monitor problem is that individuals do not take care of the safety instructions and end up cleaning the surface of the screen with liquid detergents which may harm the monitor again. It is better to use a dry cloth to clean the monitor screen and steer clear from liquid cleaners.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2293087_troubleshoot-computer-monitor.html

http://www.preventiveguru.com/computer-monitor-problems.html

http://www.5starsupport.com/faq/monitor.htm

http://www.build-your-own-computers.com/top-5-reasons-why-a-monitor-goes-blank.html

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/ht/testmonitor.htm