Monitor in Standby Mode

Problem: The user reported that her monitor goes directly into standby mode when the system is started. She gets no error messages, nothing to indicate what might be wrong, just a black screen.

Solution: The first thing to try for this is reseating the memory. If that fixes it, you're done. If not, try replacing the memory with a known good stick of the same type. If this doesn't work, try replacing the video card (or in the case of integrated video, install a non-integrated card. You might have to disable the integrated video to make the new card work. RTFM). If none of this works it's very likely a bad system board (mother board). If the machine is still under warranty, work with the vendor and let them troubleshoot. Unless you have a special deal with the vendor this is the only way you'll get a replacement mother board. If it's not under warranty, don't bother trying to get a new mother board. It's simply too much trouble and probably not worth your time. And, if the new board turns out not to fix the problem, I'll have to worry about you shooting yourself. Not good for you OR me.

When I had this problem we ordered a whole new tower for roughly $420. We chose the same model as before but ordered the smallest disk and least expensive other components. When the tower came in, we brought it up 1 time to make sure it would run then we stripped it and put all the (better) components from the other machine in the new tower. Good as new and didn't lose a scrap of data!