Member Avatar for Slappo

Dear All, I am new here and am not a profesional about computers, for I am only 14 and still need 2 concertrate on school work.

I play games quite alot and use my computer for hours non-stop, however, recently I have been getting a very annoying problem with my computer. I would turn on the computer, then the screen and it would say 'Please Check Signal' This has been happening for quite some time now, I remmeber the first time this happend, I pressed restart once and it booted up corectly, then after that it was 5mins of constantly pressing restart, then 10, then 15, after about 6months, it is now an annoying 2-4hours. However Once the computer is on, I can leave it on standby for over nights without any problems, but once I turn it off, its a troublesome task turning it back on.

Then for the last 2 days it simply would not turn on. I dont know whether it is the graphics card, my one is Nvidia TNT2, or the power, the monitor works on other computers though. My computer is 6 years old and from the last I remember, its PIII, 800 something mhz and 200 something Ram. I have checked the power and all the plugs, whiped down any dust, and upgraded the graphic driver. Im sorry if I have missed any obvious things, cause im in-experianced.

So basicly it is hard to turn on, but can stay on forever. Mabey its time to let go of my old computer?

If anyone can help I would GREATLY apreciate it.

Tnx!! -Slappo

  • 3 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 279 Views
  • 2 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by CheatLemur

Dani AI

Generated

A short technical summary: the message "Please Check Signal" means the monitor has power and its OSD can display messages, but it is not receiving a valid sync/video signal from the PC. Typical root causes are (1) damaged or mis-seated cable/connector or wrong input selected, (2) the graphics card failing to initialize at power‑on, (3) power‑delivery problems (PSU or motherboard), or (4) intermittent failures caused by bad electrolytic capacitors or cold solder joints on older hardware.

As recommended, connector inspection is a low-effort first step, and correctly put connector checks ahead of component swaps. ’s follow-up — a spare graphics card that fixed the machine — strongly points to a GPU fault in that instance, but the checklist below fills gaps that make intermittent "no signal" boots hard to isolate on vintage PIII/AGP systems.

Recommended diagnostic order:

  1. Verify monitor input mode and swap to a known-good cable (inspect male/female pins under magnification).
  2. Confirm the monitor shows a signal on a known-good PC and that this PC behaves the same with a known-good monitor (confirms which end is at fault).
  3. Power down, unplug, ground, then remove and reseat the graphics card; clean its edge connector with isopropyl or a soft eraser and retest.
  4. Inspect GPU and motherboard for bulging/swollen capacitors, broken fan, or burn marks.
  5. Boot with minimal hardware (one RAM stick, drives disconnected, try onboard video if present) and note BIOS beep codes or POST LEDs.
  6. Swap or test the PSU if voltages are suspect — intermittent startup failures often trace to weak power rails.
  7. If the card only works after a long warm-up, suspect cold solder joints; replacement is usually preferable to DIY reflow on older cards.

Safety/cost note: on very old systems a replacement GPU or inexpensive used board is usually safer and cheaper than attempting component-level repair.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #2466

Check the monitor cable for pushed pins. http://www.mrsalty.net/arcade/monitor/pins.jpg

If it looks good, check for damage on the female part of the connection (on your video card). If not damaged...check the cable for damage.

If not damaged, try testing it out on another computer.

If it does the same thing on another computer...scrap that monitor and buy yourself a new one. Might I recommend a flatpanel that is affordable? Try http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009070

Fantastic monitor...running Acer's for years without a hitch. Good luck!

Member Avatar for Slappo

Check the monitor cable for pushed pins. http://www.mrsalty.net/arcade/monitor/pins.jpg

If it looks good, check for damage on the female part of the connection (on your video card). If not damaged...check the cable for damage.

If not damaged, try testing it out on another computer.

If it does the same thing on another computer...scrap that monitor and buy yourself a new one. Might I recommend a flatpanel that is affordable? Try http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009070

Fantastic monitor...running Acer's for years without a hitch. Good luck!

Hey guys, tnx for ur help, My mate gave me one of his spare graphics cards, so i put it in and IT WORKED!! omg im so happy now!! no more waiting 5hrs to turn it on!! anyone with this problem, try replacing ur graphics card!!!!! W00t

Member Avatar for CheatLemur

Hey guys, tnx for ur help, My mate gave me one of his spare graphics cards, so i put it in and IT WORKED!! omg im so happy now!! no more waiting 5hrs to turn it on!! anyone with this problem, try replacing ur graphics card!!!!! W00t

Also, often the prongs are a problem.... Happens with those delicate things....

So everyone, first check to make sure your prongs on your cable aren't broken or bent.

Next, check to make sure the port isn't damaged.

THEN, check your video card.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.