Old desktop PC showing no display on monitor?

Question

The computer is pretty old, almost 10 years. I'm not expecting to get any use out of it, but my dad wanted me to do something with it for him then wipe it.

Basically, nothing is displayed on the monitor. It makes all the right noises when powering up, no beeps to go on. Also, when on the disk drive will open when pressed so I think it's only a display issue.

The monitor works fine on my laptop so it's not that. I have opened the PC up and checked for loose wires etc, but no change.

The computer is a Dell desktop, running windows XP. It came with just integrated graphics, but there is an upgraded Nvidia graphics card, which is about 7 years old.

What could be the problem and what can I try to fix it?

Answer 1

i would remove the nvidia card and try the monitor with the integrated graphics. if that combination works then it's the nvidia card that is faulty

Answer 2

Hmmm, that's odd. For now, try taking out the dedicated graphics card and just use the integrated one. See if you can get a display output using that.



Afterwards, just try reinstalling the NVIDIA card. Make sure it is properly seated and any power connections going directly to the card are plugged in. If it still does not work, there is always the possibility that by some freak accident the card was damaged when it was being moved.

Answer 3

Remove the Nvidia graphics card and try again. Does it work now?



Replace Nvidia graphics card and try again. If it is not working the card is broken. Two alternatives. Use it without the graphics card or replace the card with a newer one.

Answer 4

Bad ports on the hardrive (The big box thing)

And you either replace it or buy a decent new one