"no Signal" - How Can I Fix My Computer?

[Lynn_M]

Recently, when attempting to boot up, I get the message "No Signal." If i give my computer a rest for a few hours, I can boot up successfully, though it's still painfully slow.

Is there a way that I can fix this?

[Old_Geezer]

Use a cable rather than wireless ?

[Zacs-Master]

What has wireless got to do with anything the OP asked?

[Zacs-Master]

I would suggest you need a new cable between the monitor and tower. Or just wiggle it around. No signal means the monitor is not connected properly, not that there's s problem with the computer itself.

[Old_Geezer]

Sorry was it not obvious ? If you have no signal to the Internet the chances are you are using a connection more likely to fail. Which is why you should try cable.

[david small]

Check the lead from the monitor and the computer. Insure both are pushed in as tight as possible. There should be two little screw bolts holding the cable securely into the computer. I have had this happen many times. Probably just a simple loose connection.

[Lynn_M]

I'm using cable. Like the Old Geezer says, I felt at the time that Wireless was a lot more likely to fail. The two connections between Monitor and Tower seem to be secure enough. I have a HP Windows 7, though I don't know the model number.

I can get about 3 hours use from it; then the computer's fan starts whirring really loud and fast, so I assume by that point, the computer has overheated, though it's cold to the touch

Although the screen states "No Signal," the "On" button is lit up in its usual shade of blue

I never carry out fortnightly maintenance to my computer (you're supposed to, aren't you?). Before I do that, I need to know HOW to do it. The local college refuses to give lessons on how to carry out this task

[bhg481]

To see what system you have:
Start > Control Panel > System

That will give your computer model, the Operating System, which Chip you have and how much installed RAM.

When booting the computer you can get the "no signal" message until the computer starts to talk to the monitor. Usually it only stays on the screen for a moment, so the implication is that yours is taking longer than it should to boot up.
Start by emptying the recycle bin.

Have you defragged the system disc (C:) recently/at all? It's something worth doing regularly. Microsoft provide a defraggler but I prefer this one:

https://www.piriform.com/defraggler/download

Download it from Piriform and make sure you take the free option. You'll have to run the downloaded file to install it, then you can run it and defrag disc C.

If you would prefer to use the one provided by Microsoft:

Start > computer.

Then right-click Local Disc C: > properties > tools > defragment now.

It may take a long time, depending on the size of your hard disc.

[bhg481]

I must disagree with you on the defrag, methyl. Defragging is done by copying a fragmented file to sequential blocks and then deleting the original - it's no more dangerous than copying, even if the machine crashes in the process.

[SlackAlice]

Manual Defragging isn't really necessary now unless the disk is more than 10% fragmented. It's switched on by default from Windows Vista upwards unless the main drive is an SSD.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/defragmenting-a-hard-drive-in-windows-7.html

[bhg481]

I'd forgotten about that, Slackalice, as I have it turned off on all my computers. It seems unlikely that Lynn has turned it off, so the next thing to check for is nasties.
Download malwarebytes from here:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/

and then install it. Make sure you go for the free version - not even a trial of the premium one (Buenchico will "send the boys round" if you do).
If you run that it will clear any nasties out of your system which may speed things up. It's worth running it regularly anyway.

[Zacs-Master]

Until we know whether the OP has checked the cable between monitor and tower, why are we suggesting more complex solutions? Highly illogical.

[Lie-in King]

It would seem logical to read the OP's answer -

"The two connections between Monitor and Tower seem to be secure enough."

[Zacs-Master]

That's checking the connections, not the overall efficacy of the cable which may be damaged.

[bhg481]

I tend to feel that a monitor cable which has (probably) never been disconnected and has no obvious external damage is unlikely to be faulty. It's not easy to check, for most people, without buying a spare. All the checks being suggested are free and can only do good.

[Zacs-Master]

I prefer the 'most obvious' first approach me self.

[Hypognosis]

The monitor is proved still functional because that is what generates the "no signal" message.
The cable is secure and undamaged but to truly eliminate possibility of a fault you'd need a pal with similar equipment to do a straightforward cable swap test.

Next step in the chain is the video adapter. If it is an advanced games-quality card it may have a fan on it and fans do fail. But they are inexpensive to replace without buying a whole new vid card.

If the computer is long past its guarantee, open the case and visually inspect for air vents, fans or heatsinks clogged with dust. Due to electrostatic-sensitive components, do not rush to use a high power vacuum cleaner.

Let us know if this is applicable before anyone advises further.

Incidentally, if the PC is kaput, how are you communicating with us?