DIY Computer Monitor Repair

You can perform do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs to help solve common monitor problems. First, make certain that the monitor's cable is firmly plugged into the socket on your computer. Inspect the monitor's power cable and search for any rips or torn edges. Replace a worn-out monitor with a newer one. Don't open your monitor's case and assume that you can fix it. Contact a computer technician for information about repairs.

Instructions

1. Check your computer to determine if it is in hibernate or standby mode. Turning off the power saver feature may help to resolve your monitor problem. Perform this DIY step if your monitor's screen is blank. Press a key or the power button on your computer to wake it up, or return it to a state of readiness.

2. Turn off the power saver feature. Press the "Start" button on the taskbar. Highlight and click "Control Panel," then click "Performance and Maintenance." Next, click "Power Options" and select the "Power Schemes" tab. Locate the "Turn off monitor" option. Click the menu arrow and select "Never," and press the "OK" button.

3. Adjust your monitor's settings if the display screen is not clear and blurry. Normally, a monitor has menu buttons that you can adjust. Press the menu buttons to change the brightness and contrast levels. Check to see if the horizontal frequency is in sync with your computer's output. Refer to the user manual that came with your monitor to learn more about operating the menu buttons.

4. Change your monitor's current settings back to the manufacturer's settings. If you're unable to sharpen blurry images on the display screen, press the menu button that will allow you to choose the manufacturer's default settings.

5. Remove any magnetic items near your computer that may be causing the monitor to display a shaky screen. If you're having magnetization problems, use the degauss menu button on your monitor. You may hear a buzzing sound and the display may vibrate for a few seconds. When the buzzing sound stops, the screen should return to normal.

6. Install the latest video drivers for your computer. Updating and replacing corrupt video drivers is a DIY repair that can help to sharpen blurry images on your monitor. Browse the Internet and search for the video-board manufacturer's website and download the drivers.

7. Browse the Internet for pixel software that can eliminate stuck pixels on your LCD or TFT monitor. For instance, UDPixel for Windows is a diagnostic software that can detect and correct dead pixels. Use the pixel software to repair and remove irregularities on your monitor's display screen.

References

• "Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC"; Dan Gookin; 2009

Resources

• Fix It Club: computer monitor repair
• Uniblue: How to fix a computer monitor
• Directron: troubleshooting tips for new monitors