No Video

Am trying to standardize the 'no video' troubleshooting methodology...
(NOTE - Focus is on CRT monitors alone. Flat Panels will involve some additonal troubleshooting steps, not covered below)

1. Eliminate the MB / PROCESSOR / RAM / POWER SUPPLY in the computer tower as the cause of the problem, by checking for a successful POST.
Signs of a successful POST (Power On Self Test):
(a) You hear a short, single beep after turning on the system.
(b) Try to turn ON and turn OFF the kbd LEDs. If they do, the system is POSTing fine.

2. Eliminate the monitor as the source of the problem, by doing a Monitor On Self Test. You might also consider swapping the monitor with a known good one. Swapping the monitor will also help offset the possiblity that the video cable has bent or broken pins in its connector (which for CRTs means that the monitor needs to be replaced, anyhow... if the pin is bent, however, you can try to straighten it). NOTE - One pin is normally missing from the VGA connector, by default.

3. Carry out the remaining troubleshooting based on the color of the monitor LED -

(a) Monitor LED is turned OFF - Indicates that the monitor is not receiving any power.
- Make sure that the monitor is turned ON. :)
- Try a different power outlet. Also eliminate any surge protectors.
- Swap the monitor power cord with that of the tower. They are normally of the same specification.

(b) Monitor LED is GREEN - Indicates that either the monitor is in the Self Test mode OR it is getting a video signal but is not able to display it.
- Check the screen for a Monitor On Self Test message.
- If YES, reseat the video cable.
- If NO,
1. Check OSD settings for brightness and contrast.
2. Do a Monitor On Self Test to check the monitor itself.

(c) Monitor LED is AMBER - Indicates that the monitor is not getting a video signal (but it IS plugged in properly to the video card.)
- Move mouse to check if the system is in standby mode OR if the monitor itself has been turned OFF (by the Windows ACPI) to save power.
- Turn the system ON and OFF to offset the possibility that the system is stuck in the standby mode.
- Monitor LED is also amber if the system is not POSTing.
- Reseat the video card. If that does not fix it, replace the video card.