No POST (Startu Screen)

[ray2nite]

I don't know if this is a hardwear of softwear problem.

I recently bought a new computer, running XP Pro. The computer runs okay. For the first couple weeks the computer started up normally. After two weeks, when I turn the computer on (or, even restart it) the monitor stays blank until Windows is running (The desktop.). It no longer shows the POST or other startup stuff on the monitor. The On-Off light on the monitor stays off until Windows is running, even though I push the On button.

I called the tech support where I bought the computer and they told me that a computer would sometimes do this. In my travels I have never seen this happen before and would like to hear from anyone that may be experienced with this particularly shortcoming and what I may do about it.

Thanx, Ray.

PS: I have tried a different monitor and got the same results.

 

[linney]

When Windows is up and running try using System Restore to get back to a point where it started correctly. Have you been using multiple monitors attached to your machine?

 

[N0ktar]

Try a different monitor if you can, also I assume this is a desktop, right? if so you may want to update your graphics card driver.
If this is your only issue and your system works properly when booted up I would not use a system restore.

 

[linney]

System Restore comes with an "Undo" option if it fails to fix any problem. You just slip back in time to see if the problem was caused by some setting you may have changed. If it doesn't fix the problem you "undo" the restore and come back to the present.

 

[ray2nite]

Thanks all the the replys.

I have used the restore. Helps sometimes. The bootup to the Windows desktop is now happening intermittly whether I restore or not.

I don't use multiple monitors. I only tired a different one to check out this problem.

I will look around for a later driver.

 

[LloydSev]

if you do not see post, and the monitor does not become active until in windows, that is a hardware issue. Software does not become an issue until Windows begins loading. You should see POST well before that point.

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[micker377]

Unplug the IDE cable to the hard drive. See if you get an error message.