Blank screen after starting up the computer
There can be a couple of reasons for this which are all easily solvable.
If you have just installed Windows XP Professional x64 from scratch then please follow the link at the bottom to solve that specific issue.
Otherwise it will be one of the following:
1. Cable disconnected - always check the cables when something isn't working
2. You have a dual head video card and the primary output has been set to the other port.
You can sort this out by connecting the monitor to the other port on the video card. This is always worth checking when you have a blank screen. You can disconnect and connect the cable from the monitor to the computer while the computer is running.
3. Incorrect resolution for monitor.
If you've set a resolution in Windows that is too high for your monitor then on restart the monitor will display nothing.
To rectify this problem you will need to go into Safe Mode and change the resolution down to a regular size again. When in doubt use 1024x768.
To get into Safe Mode do the following:
Shut the computer down by pressing the power button, wait a couple of seconds and then start the computer. You can access Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key on your keyboard just after the lights (Num, Caps and Scroll lock) on your keyboard blink and before the Windows XP logo comes up on screen - may take a couple of goes to get this right. Once you do you'll see a menu, select "Safe Mode".
Right-click on the desktop and select "Properties", click on the "Settings" tab and you'll be able to choose screen resolution. Make sure you click "Apply" and "Ok".
Restart the computer and everything will be fine.
Useful Links
http://raincare.net/article?id=33
Last Modified: December 31, 1969
