Turning on your computer, you find that the screen is dead or that the fans are running without any video; or perhaps the computer freezes when booting, and programs are behaving erratically. These issues may indicate a problem with the motherboard or RAM. Knowing troubleshoot these issues properly can help solve your issue.
Dark Screen
Check that the computer has power if you have a dark screen. No video can indicate a larger issue, but often power can be the main cause. Make sure all of the power cables are plugged in and that the battery is charged if your system is a laptop and no power supply is available. Most computers have a power indicator light. If this light is not on, you may have a power issue. If you are receiving power but still have a dark screen, check that the monitor is plugged in if you are using a desktop computer. If it is plugged in, or if you are using a laptop, you need to check the graphics card. Refer to your system's user manual to find out whether the video card is attached to your motherboard. If it is, as is generally the case with laptops, you may find that a graphics card failure means getting a new motherboard. Otherwise, try to find a compatible graphics card and plug it in. If you get video, the graphics card is the issue and should be replaced. When using a laptop, plug in an external monitor and see if you get any video. If you do, the laptop screen may be the issue; if not, the motherboard or the CPU may need to be replaced.
Beeping
Beeping from your machine may indicate that the RAM has been knocked out of place or that one of the modules is faulty. Check in your owner's manual whether your machine requires you to install your RAM in pairs. On Intel Core Duo machines, this is required for best performance. Turn off your computer and remove any components that block the RAM. On most laptops, the RAM can be accessed by lifting up the keyboard or removing a small door on the bottom of the machine. On desktops, the access panel will need to be taken off. Access the RAM of your computer, take it out and reinstall it. Turn on your computer and listen for beeps. If the beeps are still present, replace the RAM with a new module. If the RAM needs to be installed in pairs, try one piece of the old RAM with one piece of new RAM to isolate which one is faulty. If after replacing both pieces of RAM the machine still beeps, you may have a RAM slot issue, meaning you need to replace the motherboard.
Reseating CPU
If you are experiencing video issues, you may need to reseat the CPU. Open up your computer and check to see if the CPU is lying flat. If it is not, lift it up and reseat it. Usually the CPU is attached to the heat sink, so take care when lifting it up so as not to separate the two. Check to see whether the computer gives you video. If it does not, you may need to reset the computer's motherboard to its default settings. Each motherboard is reset differently. Look up the make and model number of the motherboard to find out reset procedures.
Tags: your computer, graphics card, dark screen, find that, have dark, have dark screen