Fixing Computers

 The PC's video system consists of the monitor and the video card. Most video system problems are easily detected because they are visual and show up on the monitor. While the monitor can have the problems, the video card is the cause of most video problems on the PC. One thing to remember when troubleshooting the video system is that no matter how high-end the video card may be, it is limited by the abilities of the monitor.

Some points to note when troubleshooting the video system.

1.  If the screen is blank or dark, check to see if the monitor is plugged into a power source, the power cord is connected to the monitor, and the monitor cable is connected to the PC. If the cables are okay, reseat the video card.
2. The most common video problems are refresh rates, resolution and colour depth settings. These problems are easily solved through the Display Properties on the windows system.
3. If the monitor's display is blank, scrambled, distorted, or has multiple layers of the same images, the monitor is unable to handle the video card's output. Another very irritating symptom of a mismatch between the monitor and video card is a high-pitched tone coming from the monitor. Use the windows Display Properties applet to change the colour depth and the resolution levels to a more capatible settings. Your monitor and video card documentation should have a recommended refresh rate for the monitor. The tools you need to change the refresh rate are accessed through the Advanced button on the Windows Display Properties window.
4. If after changing the refresh rate the monitor image is unreadable, reboot the PC into Windows Safe Mode and change the refresh rate to a lower setting and reboot the PC into normal mode. To enter safe mode, press F8 when the PC is booting.
5. It is very common that the driver included with Windows or shipped with a video card is obsolete. Visit the manufacturer's website for newer updates.