Member Avatar for cmk_96

I have a Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 HP desktop PC when I power the computer on I got Vga input: no input signal and the monitor went back to sleep. If you do you think that is a problem with the video card it is attached to the motherboard. I also don't know that much about computers so please try to keep the answer simple.

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A short, practical checklist that fills gaps not yet covered in the replies from and . Start with the easy, non-destructive checks and only open the case if comfortable.

  • Confirm the display and cable chain first: set the TV/monitor to the correct input, try a direct VGA (or DVI) cable with no adapters, and try a second known-good monitor if possible. If any adapter (VGA<->HDMI, DVI<->HDMI) is in use, swap it for a direct, compatible cable or an active converter—some passive adapters will not convert the signal and produce intermittent or no picture.

  • Check connectors for mechanical faults: look for bent VGA pins, loose screws on the connector, or frayed cable ends. Intermittent one-second pictures are often caused by a poor contact.

  • Restore BIOS defaults (safe BIOS reset): unplug power, remove the CMOS battery for about a minute (or use the clear-CMOS jumper) and press the power button once to discharge. This returns video selection to defaults in case onboard video was disabled in BIOS.

  • Minimal hardware POST test: with power off and unplugged remove all add-in cards and drives, leave the CPU, cooler, one RAM stick and onboard video. Try one RAM stick at a time in the primary slot. This isolates RAM/slot and other cards from the problem without risky cleaning tricks.

  • Do a visual inspection of the motherboard: look for swollen or leaking electrolytic capacitors, scorch marks, or loose power connectors. These are common failure points on older systems and can cause intermittent video.

  • Final diagnostic: if the above steps still fail, try a known-compatible discrete video card (or borrow one) to determine whether the onboard GPU has died. Check PSU capacity before adding a card.

Safety notes: always unplug mains before opening the case and ground to the metal chassis. Avoid abrasive cleaning (do not use erasers); if contacts need cleaning use electronics-safe contact cleaner or 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe.

If none of this produces a stable picture, document which steps were tried and give that list to a technician—it speeds diagnosis and avoids repeat work. This builds on and while avoiding risky cleaning methods highlighted by .

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Member Avatar for Octet

Hello cmk_96,

Not having video is one of the most annoying and hard to diagnose issues, because there is no way to visually display any error messages.

When you turn on any computer, it goes through what is called a POST (Power On System Test) which shall detect any issues, because you might not have any video, as in your case, the motherboard has a little speaker built in which should alert you to any problems.

When you turn on your computer, does it make any beeps and if it does then could you please post the exact order and duration such as Long Beep, Short Beep, Short Beep, Long Beep.

If you could also tell me the make and model of your computer, I could help diagnose the issue better.

Good luck!

Member Avatar for cmk_96

There are no beeps by make do you mean Microsoft Windows or something else? The model is HP-D2537F3R.

Member Avatar for Octet

By make I am refering to the computer itself, such as Dell Inspiron etc.

As it isn't giving any beeps, then it would suggest everything is working fine during the POST, next thing to look at is the monitor and the connection, does it work with other monitors?

Member Avatar for cmk_96

OK ill try that next the make is a is a Compaq

Member Avatar for cmk_96

OK so I plugged the computer into into my HDTV and I turned the computer on and off many times and got no signal, but 1 time it showed up on the screen for a second and went back to no signal again

Member Avatar for Octet

Ok, it could be a faulty or a loose connection between the Motherboard and the Graphics Card. Do you know if it has inbuilt graphics?

Member Avatar for Octet

If it has a seperate graphics card, turn off the computer, disconnect the power supply and unscrew the cover to the case. Touch the edge of a radiator or something metal and work on a surface that is preferably metal.

Locate the graphics card and disconnect the wires (if it has any additional power cables), flip the switch on the socket and gently lift. Check the golden contacts, if any of them are damaged or if any are dirty. If it is all clear then gently place it back in, do not force it in and press evenly. Re-connect any cables and replace the cover and try the monitor again.

Member Avatar for cmk_96

Yea I think so

Member Avatar for cmk_96

Its attached to the motherboard

Member Avatar for Octet

Ok, when you say 'attached' is that built into the motherboard or is it standing up in a little slot?

You can tell the difference by looking at the VGA, is it connected directly onto the Mobo or is it standing on what looks like a seperate circuit board. If it is standing on a seperate card then look for the little latches by the bottom of it and you should be able to flick them and lift carefully.

Member Avatar for cmk_96

It is built in to the motherboard

Member Avatar for Octet

I'm out of options then unfortunately, I think you shall have to take it into a computer repair shop.

Member Avatar for cmk_96

OK thanks

Member Avatar for rohermina

same problem :( check and clean RAM if theres a beep.. Remove RAM start the Computer did you hear a beep? if theres no beep, clean the RAM metal connector with eraser then put it back in did the cleaning help? if not then try your RAM to another computer if it is working. if its working then try external video card. Sometimes built in graphics not working but using external VGA the computer is working... hope it helps

Member Avatar for BigPaw

Never ever use an eraser on sensitive electronics. Erasers are for removing graphite type deposits from paper. Some erasers, besides the risk of damaging the connector, can leave a residue that would hinder data transfer far more dramatically than any insignificant layer of oxidised gold.

Member Avatar for rohermina

sorry about the eraser :) Warning: Eraser for expert only :P

Member Avatar for vincentleeap

Onboard videocard maybe the problem,buy a videocard and insert it in the slot..hope it helps!

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