skip to main content

Suddenly a black screen and blinking screen power light!

15 years ago

What kind of a problem do I have. I was in the middle of changing screens and suddenly the screen turned black. The power on light on the monitor keeps blinking and the only way to get it to turn off is to turn off the power. I can hear the computer come back on when I press the power button, the keyboard lights blink and the mouse light comes on but nothing shows on the screen, noteven white letters. I'm running win 98 sp2, AVG program, ran about a week ago. I don't do much surfing as it's my work computer. Could I have a blown fuse? I can hear the fan whirring and soft beeps coming from the monitor and the tower. It's a HP pavillion workhorse. I will admit that I haven't cleaned it out at all since it's not easy to get into, my office is quite crammed. I'm going to turn off the power and see what happens after a long rest. I don't know if I can put my hands on a monitor to see if it's a monitor problem.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

zep516
15 years ago
win 98 getting kind of old!!!

From you description:

keyboard lights blink and the mouse light comes on, hear the fan whirring and soft beeps coming from the monitor and the tower.

To me that sounds like it's posting correctly, check you cable monitor connections first. Then try another monitor.
Terrapots
Original Author
15 years ago
Yep it is old but it carries some of my old DOS functions which I have been unable to convert to windows programs no matter how I tweek them. I'm a real dinosaur, LOL!
Related Discussions
power saving mode black screen
Q
Comments (1)
I am assuming the blue and amber light are the indicator light on your monitor? Do you have a button on the monitor it self that is an auto adjust? you might try that, sometimes the buttons get accidentally hit. Also try turning every thing off and disconnect the monitor from the pc, replug monitor in making sure all connections are secure on both ends and restart.
...See More
unresponsive/random black screen
Q
Comments (2)
Well I do not think yoiu need to be thinking about replacing a one year old triple core computer with windows 7. From the specs it looks like you have to remove the right side to see inside the case. Take the side panel off and check that the fans are running. Leave the side off and the next time you get a black screen check again to see if fans are running. You likely have 2 fans, one over the processor and heatsink and the other inside the power supply. Also check for dust build up on the fan and heatsink, a build up can cause the computer to shut down when a high temperature is reached. This is to protect the processor. DO NOT go inside the power supply even with the computer off as this holds power long after the computer is shut down. What other peripherals besides the mouse and keyboard do you have attached? I ask as it seems you only have a 220 watt power supply
...See More
Router WLAN light blinking !!!???
Q
Comments (5)
Is the wireless signal protected by a password (WEP or WPA)? Or is the administration of the router protected? Those are different things. If you're not using security for the wireless signal, somebody could be piggybacking on your connection. If you didn't change the SSID, they could be connecting by accident. I remember a few years ago, one of my brothers called me because he was helping a friend connect. He told me that when he viewed wireless connections he saw 4 that said Linksys and wanted to know which one was the right one. I had him change it in the router and also set up security (I think at the time, WEP was the only option, but WPA is better and should be available on all systems now).
...See More
Black Screen
Q
Comments (16)
So this is a local build computer from MDG Computers who have a far less than stellar record sadly. Now the small issue of recovery CDs becomes VERY important. This is because with factory built computers the operating system is tied to the motherboard but you can use an XP CD as long as the 25 digit code on the tower is used. MDG does not have that so for any re-installing of XP your friend needs to find those CDs - or he'll have to buy a new copy of XP and that may not be a wise decision. Have your friend check ravencajun's link to see if dirt inside is an issue. Have him/her use my link above to check the hard drive so we can eliminate those 2 items or blame one of them. Also get him/her to remove the left side and tell us the make and wattage of the power supply. Here is a link that might be useful: MDG sucks
...See More
Terrapots
Original Author
15 years ago
It's no longer blinking this morning. Checked the cable connection and it's tight. Need to find a monitor to borrow to be sure it is the monitor before I call the people with the charge tickets.
Terrapots
Original Author
15 years ago
Borrowed a monitor and it worked fine. So now I'm back in business. Win 98 was a mistake, it's XP, I'm really living in the past.

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME What Really Makes Us Happy at Home? Find Out From a New Houzz Survey

By Mitchell Parker

Great design has a powerful impact on our happiness in our homes. So do good cooking smells, family conversations and, yes, big-screen TVs

MOST POPULAR Get Ready for the Smart Coffee Table

Intelligent tables with touch screens are reaching the consumer market, with all the power of personal computers and more

HOME TECH Coming Soon: Turn Your Kitchen Counter Into a Touch Screen

Discover how touch projection technology might turn your tables and countertops into iPad-like devices — and sooner than you think

GARDENING GUIDES Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape

GARDENING GUIDES Great Garden Combo: 3 Wonderful Plants for a Deer-Resistant Screen

Protect your privacy and keep deer at bay with a planting trio that turns a problem garden area into a highlight

MORE ROOMS Tech in Design: Where to Put Your Flat-Screen TV

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Popcorn, please: Enjoy all the new shows with a TV in the best place for viewing

DECORATING GUIDES TGIR: The Case of the Disappearing TV

By Mary Jo Bowling

They Got It Right: If you can’t beat it, camouflage it. See how these designers made TV screens almost unnoticeable

FENCES AND GATES Modern Fencing for a More Secure Home

By Christine Tusher

Deter would-be burglars without robbing your home of style, by installing a modern fence like one of these

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Patio Power: 12 Ways to Energize Your Outdoor Room

By Becky Harris

From free and easy to pro skills required, we give you a range of options for boosting the look of your patio for summertime entertaining

Sponsored

Schlabach Woodworks

21 Reviews

Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1