Can't work out whats wrong

[zipadeedodah]

Over the last couple of days my sister's computer has been playing up - after 5-10 minutes on it, the screen will go black, and keep coming on and then going off again. I assume it is a problem with the monitor. I have tried the monitor on a different computer, and a different monitor on her computer, but in those combinations all seem to work fine...which I find abit strange. Does it definitely sound like a problem with the monitor, or could it be with the computer?

[Champagne]

It does seem strange that different combinations would work. Do you mean that you can actually work fine on the computer for 5-10 minutes before it occurs?

You could go to control panel while the computer is running for 10 minutes and try to troubleshoot the problem. Alternatively, if the computer is still under warranty then send it back to be checked. Is the monitor the same one that the pc originally came with?

[zipadeedodah]

Hi Champagne!

Yes, the computer/monitor works fine to begin with, but then will start going on and off after about 10 minutes of it being ok. Have tried looking at various things on the computer to try and find a problem, but can't find anything that is any help. The monitor is working perfectly at the moment plugged into my computer, and has been for about 45 minutes now.

It was a DIY computer really, her ex built it a couple of years ago, so no warranty now. Just seems odd to me it's only when her monitor is plugged into her computer the problem occurs.

Not to worry, thanks for your suggestions =)

[cheater123]

I had this problem with my computer a while ago only to find that the lead into th back of the monitor doesnt stay in too well and as the wire runs down past my feet, I kept on nudging the wire and thats what made the monitor go off!!

Just thought I'd suggest you check as sometimes the simple explanations can be missed!

[dvisor]

When you say the screen keeps coming on and going off - is it in very quick succession, and goes on for a little while before stabilizing again? And is it an LCD monitor? If so, it could be having trouble synching, and making adjustments to the monitor settings (refresh rate etc)may help. I have this problem with one of my machines.

[zipadeedodah]

Sorry, I'm not expert with computer terms etc - all I knows it's a older CRT (?) type. Once it starts to go funny it will then go black for about 2-3 seconds, then come straight back on for 2-3 seconds then black for 2-3 and so on...like a slow flash.

[Champagne]

If other combinations of pc/monitor are working then it sounds like there may be a connection fault as cheater says. Next time it does it try adjusting the cord at the back of the monitor and see if this makes a difference to the screen. If that doesn't work then my next suggestion is to invest in a new monitor!!