Member Avatar for Revyrah

I am trying to find any information on the cable that is connected to the monitor which does not come out. Mine is damaged and I don't want to have to spend hundreds of dollars for a new monitor for just the cable being bad.
Does anyone know what it is called and where I can get one?
I was able to find the extention cable for it but I need to know if I open up the casing on the monitor, is it going to be the same male/female connection?

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Short answer: the external lead on most monitors is called the monitor cable assembly, signal harness, or pigtail. The end that plugs into the PC is usually a standard HD-15 (VGA) connector; the part inside the monitor can either terminate in a removable multi‑pin board connector or be permanently moulded into the housing. Whether it’s replaceable without major work depends on which of those two situations you have.

A safe, non-invasive way to tell which case you have is to inspect the rear-entry point (with the monitor unplugged). Look for screws or a removable rear panel, a rubber grommet/strain relief around the cable, or any printed part numbers/stickers on the cabinet. Those clues tell you if the cable is simply routed to an internal connector (replaceable) or glued/moulded in (replacement harness or donor unit required). Searching for the monitor’s exact model service manual or parts list will confirm the part name and number.

Practical repair and safety notes: if the damage is only to the outer insulation, a wrapped heat-shrink or quality electrical tape is a short-term fix. Splicing a 15‑wire VGA lead is possible but fiddly and needs correct pin mapping and good shielding — not ideal unless experienced. CRT monitors contain lethal voltages; do not open them unless qualified. Flat panels are lower risk but still require care and documentation (take photos and label connectors) if disassembly is attempted.

Sourcing: look for “replacement monitor harness / pigtail / cable assembly” for the exact HP model, or hunt donor units at electronics recyclers and marketplaces. Compare the cost of parts plus any repair labor against buying a used or new replacement monitor. This will give a clear, safe cost/benefit answer without guessing at the internal condition.

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Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

If the monitor cable is damaged and does not unplug from the back of the monitor (i.e. it goes inside with no easy removal) then I think you just may have to buy a new monitor. You cannot easily replace that cable yourself - it involves opening up the monitor and properly wiring up a new one. Paying a repair shop to do it for you may be so expensive as to not be worth it. My old 17" CRT had a damaged cable and an installed replacement was going to cost $110. Considering I could buy a brand new 17" for $80 more, it wasn't worth it.

See if you can get a free quote from a repair shop first.

Member Avatar for Revyrah

Gotcha. Thanks for the info. I guess it is time for a nice monitor now anyway. Time to save.

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