(no subject)

[turps]

For the last few weeks my monitor kept going to sleep mode while I was online, sometimes with a display saying there was no signal. I googled it and it said it could be a few things, including the actual monitor itself. So we put a want on freecycle and today got another monitor. It didn't help, in fact, installing it has seemed to make the problem worse as I've no display at all now.

I'm on Corey's computer at the moment, and believe me, I'm glad I've got access at all, but my stuff is on mine. The newsletter is locked in my thunderbird drafts over there, my shows I was going to watch.

So, my question is. Googling suggests the video card may have gone. Is that an easy fix that we could do ourselves? Or is it a shop job? Or if you have any insights about why this is happening I'd love to hear them.

Comments

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

I was about to suggest your graphics card. It shouldn't be too difficult, but it depends on your comfort zone more than anything else. You open the case, unscrew the screw that holds in the one, take it out, pop the new one in, screw it (figuratively), then load the drivers and update them if necessary. It ISN'T hard as repairs go and could definitely be a lot worse.

[ninjetti75.livejournal.com]

A video card problem DOES sound likely...a simple test would be to reconnect your original monitor: if it also now has no display whatsoever, then the problem is the signal coming from the computer, not the monitor itself (if you connect either monitor to Corey's computer and the image is fine, that would also confirm the problem is the signal coming from your computer.) If your computer isn't sending a video signal, that's 90-some% likely to the video card being dead, yes. When my v-card went belly up a few years ago, I took it to the shop. If you know what you're doing you COULD do it at home, but there were a fair number of connections and bracket things holding things in place to deal with, so I had the Geek Squad do it. OTOH, I could afford to have them do it...if I had such a problem myself right now, I'd probably muddle my way through it. So it's up to you to weigh hands-on complication vs. shop expense (though it's a simple install, so a shop shouldn't charge TOO much for it, honestly.)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

That sounds doable.

So graphic cards can just stop working like that? Figures.

Thanks, Den.

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they can, just like modems, sound cards, etc. ;-)

Welcome toots!

[carta.livejournal.com]

graphics cards are pretty easy to install, at least I thought it was when I upgraded the one on my PC. Then again, I have no fear of cracking the thing open. You *have* to, once in a while. You gotta blow the dust balls out.

[crowgirl13.livejournal.com]

Not being a particularly computer-savvy type, I was going to volunteer my services with the sage and holy water. Sounds to me like a bad infestion of Mailer Daemons. That would also explain all this related cable hoopla.

*nods wisely*

:D

[nopseud]

If it needs a new card, that's *totally* doable yourself.

Actually, the best thing might be to have a word with Richard, who can probably suggest ways to check it is the card, and then give some advice on what a good new card to buy would be. I'm sure he'll be willing to phone up and talk you through installing the new one, if needs be.

You could e-mail him with the symptoms, or I could ask him to give you a ring about it, if you let me know what would be a good time.

eta: I just had a word with him, and he's happy to help. He's working in Leamington during the day ATM, so can he give you a ring sometime tomorrow evening?

[paperdollkisses.livejournal.com]

I'm completely tech savvy-less. Lemme call Lance.

[emmytie.livejournal.com]

Graphics cards are easy as long as you are replacing the card you have with a similar type card. There are cards that connect via different bus types (pci, pcix, pci-e, etc). It sounds like you have other people who can help, but I'd be happy to help as well. I think you have my email, pretty please feel free to use it.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Well that sucks.

Then again, as this is the first time I knew that could happen, I've obviously been lucky with my computers. Of course, I'd have prefered if everything hadn't gone wrong at once.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I plugged in the first monitor and nothing, so it really does seem liek a graphics card problem.

Plan is now for James to call in a shop after work, and call R for help to make sure he's getting the right thing.

I'm just glad I have birthday money or I'd be really screwed.

Thank you!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I dust mine, too. I've just never touched anything in there. But, I have good advice so will be giving it a go.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I fear it's some kind of sign. You will not get online!

That or someone is reading along with my WIP *g*

Feel free to throw around the sage and holy water at will.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

You are a star, and so is Richard. Advice is always gratefully taken, especially making sure to get the right thing.

I'll email you James' number as he's the one actually going out to buy the card.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Man, send Lance over, that would be awesome!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I do have your email, though it would be typical if the first time I used it was needing something.

You are a star offering, thank you so much.

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

Good luck!

[crowgirl13.livejournal.com]

No, no I firmly believe that these sorts of situations are more about testing one's dedication instead of Universe-enforced lessons in denial.

So the ghost in your machine is a Panic fan? Excellent. :)

Okay.
*goes to prep my shaman's kit*

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

Why does everything always go wrong at the same time?!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed the card purchasing and change will go smoothly!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Tell me about it. By using the tips you gave I'm able to go read the flist and comment on a small amount, but I miss my flist at large! I miss my computer!

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

I feel for you!!!

Have you read the Travelling Show snippets yet T. made in my journal a few days ago (http://turloughishere.livejournal.com/483400.html?thread=5568328#t5568328)? Bob's first meeting with Gerard and his first encounter with a monster! And we'd some nice general discussion too.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I've just read it now, and am all \o/

And also all, MORE!

[thelemic.livejournal.com]

It's definitely doable, but depends on how comfortable you are fiddling around inside your computer, basically. But yeah, most likely is the video card.

[rikes]

WOE! :(((

But sounds like you have expert help now. :)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

You're right, it was very easy in the end. I could have done without having to lay out the cash, but I needed my own computer.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I was so annoyed!

But it's fixed now, and I'm playing catch up :)