Computer Keeps Blackscreening

My computer keeps going to black screen, I can restore the screen by pressing on the button on the side of monitor (like an on off switch) but it will only stay on for a short while, then the screen goes black again. When I do manage to restore it, my computer is still running, still connected to the net, still has the webpage there that it had before it goes black, but I can't keep the screen from going black. I was wondering if somebody can please tell my why this would be happening, I am defragmenting, I have continually cleaned up cookies, I have run a virus scan, all is well in those departments. Also changed all power cords, plugged in new power boards, disconnected the internet, no it wasn't that, so reconnected it. I am managing to stay in here at the moment for about five minutes, but it will go again......it starts to flicker a bit before it completely goes off.

My computer is 2 1/2 years old.

Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

Jennie

 

Hello Jennie and welcome to the Board

Sounds very much like either a problem with the Monitor or the video card.

From the start menu, click on run and type dxdiag and click ok. Then proceed with the tests.

That will run XP's built in monitor and video card diagnostics. Post back wth the results.

Regards - Charles

 

Right-click blank area on monutor screen, choose properties > screensaver > power button and make sure turn off monitor is set to "never ".

 

"Fickering ", "I can restore the screen by pressing on the button on the side of monitor ". Seems like a monitor problem. It restores after having time to cool down a little??
Test the monitor on another computer.

Overheating graphics? Open the case, if it has a separate (add-in) graphics card with a fan, check the fan is spinning freely when it is running.

Loosen dust with a soft brush, take the case outside and blow the dust out with a can of compressed air (you can purchase at an electronics store). Check for dust blocking vents and build-up in heatsinks (note: do not detach the heatsink from the processor chip).

Matt

 

Thanks guys for all your advice, I know now it is a monitor problem, we plugged it into the old computer, it did the same thing. Rang the place it came from yesterday, long story, but somebody purchased it for me, through his company, so didn't know how I would go with warranty. Worked out I only bought it just over 18 mths ago, company said "no probs" they deal with this guy all the time, just drop it up, so LCD Monitor is heading to computer Doctor today!!!! Meanwhile I am learning more each day, I have managed to set up the NotebookI just purchased from my step daughter, for the internet, and downloaded antivirus on it,most important! And voila!!! Here I am........

Cheers to all Jennie