Troubleshooting Flat Screen Monitors

Flat screen monitors are generally just as cheap as the bulkier CRT monitors and not only take up less space but are also much more sleek looking. As with any computer peripheral a flat screen monitor can experience mechanical problems or software issues that will require a few troubleshooting steps to properly resolve.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Verify that the AC power cable is connected to an electrical wall outlet. Check to make sure that the connector cable for the monitor--whether it's a USB, DVI or Serial cable--is connected to the correct port either directly on the computer's motherboard or on the graphics card.

2. Remove the monitor and attach it to a different computer to see if it powers on. Try attaching a separate monitor to the original computer to narrow down if the problem is with the computer or the monitor.

3. Uninstall the software that came with the monitor by clicking on the "Start" menu located on the bottom toolbar and then click on "Control Panel." Choose "Remove Programs" and then click on the monitor software. Put the installation disc that came with the monitor into your computer's CD or DVD drive and reinstall the software.

4. Navigate your Web browser to the website of the monitor's manufacturer. Go to their "Downloads" or "Support" section and download the latest software driver for the monitor.

5. Check to make sure that the problem isn't with your graphics card. Navigate through your Start menu to the Control Panel and then click on "Devices." Click on the plus sign next to the "Graphics" heading and then click on the name of your graphics card. Check the "Status" box to see if the device is working properly or needs to be replaced.

6. Change the resolution of your screen if the graphics on your monitor are distorted or unclear. Go to the Start menu and click on "Control Panel." Click on "Personalization" and then "Display Settings." Slide the resolution bar to a different resolution and then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• If there is a mechanical defect with your flat screen monitor it will generally be a much cheaper option to buy a new one rather than have a service center attempt to repair it.
• If there are individual dots on your flat screen monitor that are black, a problem known as "dead pixels," the only options are to either ignore them or purchase an entirely new monitor.

Resources

• Buy Flat Screen Monitors At Newegg