Black screen after XP loading screen

doodah · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:15

Weird problem with my friends computer. Other day after XP loading screen, it goes black and then eventually monitor says no signal. Last known good config and system restore did not work, only thing that would is safe mode.

He reinstalled Windows, everything was fine until after installing his system drivers (dell display, network, chipset etc). Same problem has come back despite a complete format and install. Any ideas?

theheyes · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:38

Are they the most up-to-date drivers or off a restore disc? I'd go online for the drivers if possible.

doodah · 11 Jan 2009 at 19:17

The drivers for his hardware are up to date as I downloaded them and burnt them to disc.

EDIT - Only a couple of drivers had updates, a lot were the default ones (on HP website)

doodah · 12 Jan 2009 at 21:30

Anyone?

doodah · 19 Jan 2009 at 17:51

Sorry to be a pain, anyone? Could this be a faulty hard drive or is it software related?

Mattus · 19 Jan 2009 at 22:52

If it works until he installs his drivers then it's not the hard drive.

Post which hardware it is, particularly which mobo and graphics adapter, and I'll try and help more

(edit) Also, when the screen goes off, does the system carry on booting or does it hang up? (i.e. is there still hard drive activity and does he hear the Windows startup sound?)

Hodders · 20 Jan 2009 at 09:18

Try pressing F8 as windows starts and go into safe mode.

It could be that the resolution is out of bounds for the monitor.

Set the resolution to 640x480 in safe mode and then reboot normally.

doodah · 21 Jan 2009 at 17:44

Mattus said:
If it works until he installs his drivers then it's not the hard drive.

Post which hardware it is, particularly which mobo and graphics adapter, and I'll try and help more

(edit) Also, when the screen goes off, does the system carry on booting or does it hang up? (i.e. is there still hard drive activity and does he hear the Windows startup sound?)

Here is his reply to your questions:

"cool, yeah presario s5190uk, i get windows xp screen but no jingle. then the screen goes blank and says no signal, the comp is still making noise inside(technical!). my finger print reader never gets started as it normally does when windows loads. how do i find motherboard info? just take a look inside?"

According to HP, the mobo is Xenon4 Intel 845G

Will ring him and try resolution thingy, thanks

doodah · 30 Jan 2009 at 13:00

He tried changing the resolution but it didn't work. It was already on 640x480 and it wouldn't let him change it to another value

Mattus · 31 Jan 2009 at 02:07

Is there a driver that can be installed for the monitor? Which monitor is it?

Daff_Duck · 31 Jan 2009 at 12:53

Is there anyway you can swap components out with others you have access to for example put a working screen on to this P.C and see if you have the problem ..go along and try to isolate if this is a hardware issue or software, You may need to swap the keyboard etc ..At the end you will have an idea if it is a driver issue (which sounds the most likley) does this pc have Onboard Graphics or Expansion slot? Maybe bypass the onboard or if an expansion then update the drivers. There seems to be some kind of conflict.