Technical > Computer Hardware Help > No Video

reply to dsless

Re: No Video

dsless,

Boot into Safe Mode to see whether that move gives you an idea of what the problem is. Note the message usually provided at the desktop. Also, in Safe Mode, check Device Manager for indications of a problem.

What drivers did you install?

Freddy

I tried those provided by Gigabyte and off of Nvidia's website. I also removed the on-board drives before install the vid card per the manual's instruction. Thanks.

dsless,

So, what's the status of the situation now? Can you boot normally into Windows, or did you manage to boot into Safe Mode?

It suppose you likely installed the correct video drivers for your operating system, but I have no way of knowing. Are you running WinXP?

Freddy

Yes I am running XP. It recognizes the card on boot, but after reboot the "starting windows" log comes and then the screen goes blank.

dsless,

Have you managed to try booting into Safe Mode yet?

To boot into Safe Mode, start your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly, during POST but before Windows starts to load, to access the Advanced Boot Options screen.

Freddy

Later Edit: Getting a blank screen when trying to boot can be caused by various things and can be confusing to find a fix. Here is a Microsoft article containing some ideas:

»support.microsoft.com/kb/314503

Also, you can use google to search on "windows XP blank screen on boot" (no quotes) to get additional ideas to try.

Thank you for the ideas. I was able to get the system to boot safe mode. I tried that several time. Every time I would try to boot 'normal mode', I would get the blank screen. I will try your ideas on the search. So much for the idea that every PCI card work in every slot.

dsless,

In Safe Mode, don't forget to read the message you see at the desktop. Those sometimes include a clue as to what is causing the boot problem. Those messages may not be specific, but it may say something like "hardware problem" or "driver problem." That's better than nothing.

Also, in Safe Mode, look in Device Manager (right click My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager). In Device Manager, a problem can be identified by noting whether some device has an explanation point (!) or a question mark next to it. Check the properties of such a device to read the comments. Then take appropriate action.

Freddy

Will do. and thanks again. I am trying to get my hand on a gt7900 to try. The 7800gt card just may be incompatible.

dsless,

Your video card is working or you wouldn't have any graphics, even in Safe Mode. Even so, I don't know which card (on-board or PCIe) is giving you the graphics.

If Device Manager lists the 7800gt, then that's a good sign that the card may be compatible. On the other hand, if Device Manager shows the on-board video chip, then the PCIe card isn't being recognized. Maybe the drivers for the card didn't install properly. Just keep exploring and you should be able to figure it out.

Freddy