Troubleshooting Monitors

Sometimes, you will find multiple video ports on a computer:

• Dual-, triple-, quad-monitor video cards (one card that supports multiple monitors).

• Multiple video cards each supporting a monitor.

• One card that supports different video modes. It will use any combination of Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA) component video, and High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI). These cards usually send the same signal out all ports.

• An integrated video card with an additional video card installed in an expansion slot. In this case, always plug the monitor into the standalone video card, not the integrated one. Often, it is disabled automatically when a video card is present in an expansion slot.

Be able to identify the monitor LED colors. An amber (or yellow) color means that the monitor is on but not receiving a signal from the PC; that is, the monitor is expecting but not getting information to display. If the monitor is unplugged from a power source, turned off, or in Sleep/Power-Saving mode, the power button is dark. Make sure the monitor has power. A green or white light means the monitor is on and receiving a signal. You should see an image on the screen. If not, explore settings on the monitor (such as contrast and brightness). Try replacing the monitor with a known-good monitor to make sure the current monitor is bad. If you still cannot see an image, the problem could be a bad video adapter card or a bad setting for the c....