Follow the steps below, checking between each step to see if video has returned to your display.

  1. Make sure the monitor's power switch is in the ON position.
  2. Make sure the monitor is plugged into a power outlet that is receiving power. If it is plugged into a surge protector or power strip, confirm that the unit is plugged in and turned on. Confirm that other devices connected to the unit are receiving power. Some of these units contain a surge protection fuse which may need replacing if no devices are receiving power.
  3. If necessary, reset the monitor or adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor to make sure they are not darkened.
  4. Make sure the video cable is plugged into the primary port or Port 1 on the active video card. Refer to the images below for help identifying the primary port.
  5. If you recently moved your system, unplug the video cable and make sure the pins on both ends are straight and not bent at all. (If any pins are bent, gently correct any bent pins with the tip of a retractable ball-point pen or small screwdriver and then reconnect the cable.) Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable's connection to the system.
  6. Make sure the video cable is also plugged into the monitor. If your monitor has more than one video port for input, only connect one cable as connecting more than one can cause display confusion.
  7. With the system unplugged, carefully open up your system's case and make sure the video card is securely fastened in its slot and re-seat it if necessary. Unplug and re-seat the supplemental power connection on your video card if present.