Computer Turns on but NO Screen! help!

I have a custom built computer that I've been using for the past 2 years without problems. I went home for the summer and came back to college a couple days ago. I hooked everything up the monitor and desktop and turned it on, but I'm not getting anything on my monitor.

I know my monitor isn't the problem because I was able to hook up my laptop to it.

My desktop computer turns on and the fans are spinning. I thought it was my video card but the fans on the video card are spinning as well. Also I noticed that windows is booting because when I hold the power button it takes awhile to turn off whereas if it didn't it would turn off when I just click and I don't need to hold it. Nothing smells burnt. I'm really not sure what to do.

Any advice would be awesome! Thanks!

 

Make sure the graphics card is securely in place as sometimes when the computer is moved or when monitor cable is connected, the card tends to come slightly out of its slot.

If all is ok there, although unlikely again check the memory for proper seating.

still the same?

You could try using the onboard graphics if you have it on your motherboard, try this by removing the graphics card then plugging the monitor into onboard vga port.

 

What do you mean cmos? you mean bios??? like pull the little thing out and turn on the computer for a couple seconds then plug it back in? :S

 

"NO", don't pull the bios chip....by resetting the cmos, there is a jumper near the battery or chip. It is a 3 post jumper. move the jumper to pins 1 and 2 and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then move it back to 2 and 3. It is a good idea to unplug the box to make sure there is no power going to the board. If you don't know where the jumper is, just remove the battery....

 

I tried clearing the CMOS by moving the jumpers around and also wiggled the video card around to see if I can get a screen but no luck. I think there is power to my video card because the fan is spinning. I don't understand why my computer wouldn't send the needed info to the monitor. :S

 

My Motherboard didn't come with an onboard video card because I can't seem to find it on the back of the desktop. My sig has what is in my computer besides the laptop!

 

XFX Geforce 6800GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

 

Reseat the memory (pull it out and put it back), and do the same with all the cables inside the case. Make certain that the 4-pin CPU plug is firmly connected.
You said your motherboard was a KN1Lite, is that ECS?
If after the checks it still doesn't work, I'm looking at faulty motherboard, especially if it's ECS, they don't have a great quality track record.

 

Ok I'll try reconnecting everything. I've used it for past 2 years without a problem...Yeah I think it's ECS.

 

That might be it. A lot of old ECS boards used to curl up and die after a couple of years. That's no guarantee though.

 

Correct me if I did this wrong.
When you say memory do you refer to RAM?
I just pulled the G.Skill 1GBX2 RAM out from the slots and put the corsair 512mbX2 into slots 1 and 3. I'm still not getting a screen on my monitor.
The RAM doesn't look like it's been burned out or anything. I don't smell anything burnt either. Help!

 

Well, all I meant was pull it out of the slot and put it back in, you didn't have to replace it with something else!
However, if you've tried replugging the memory and the cables (do that with the graphics card too), then all I can suggest is a new motherboard, or a new graphics card. Try the motherboard first though, it's a complicated procedure, but it's cheaper and anything's better than an old ECS!

 

Try replacing the monitor cable could be past it's sell by date then if not try to borrow a graphic card off someone and try it in your computer before purchasing another.I had the same problem very recently and it was just the cable hope it is as simple as that for you.

 

I'm able to connect my monitor to my laptop. I think it has something to do with my desktop computer but I really have no clue what.

 

sounds like it is a graphic card issue as the system turns on and you have exausted most issues.Best trying another card in your pc or try your card in another pc.If you have onboard graphics try plugging in the monitor without the card installed.If the card is fine then obviously your motherboard needs looking at which i would tend to think you may need a new bios chip fitted to the motherboard.

 

Hmm, check the capacitors first, then if they're OK, try a spare graphics card if you've got one. If you haven't, then you can only try buying another. If that doesn't work, replace the motherboard.

 

Will this work with my desktop?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?ATT=14130086&CMP=AFC-Spoofee&Item=N82E16814130086

 

If you can recommend a better one for a similar price, I'd really appreciate it!