The thing is that my computer was in stand-by mode, and usually I would just move the mouse and the computer would just power back on. This time the power had gone off, and when I turned the computer on, there's just a blank screen. I mean, it does power up, the fans start up, lights... My keyboard doesn't light up, and neither does my mouse. I know that the connection to the monitor seems fine because usually when the computer is on, the power light on the monitor is orange, and when i power on the computer, the light will go green. It does this now also, only thing being nothing is working. This is the first time this has happened with my computer, and it's extremely frustrating, as I have tried powering on and off over and over again. This is urgent, as I use this computer for work, and luckily this only happened tonight, but i'll be losing productivity starting tomorrow. Please, if anyone can help me, and explain to me what I can do, i'll be extremely grateful.
Please keep in mind, i'm a "noob" to this stuff, so the more you can help and the more clearly you can explain, the better. I thank you all a lot for this in advance.

Welcome to the forums.

Two things you can try:

You said your monitor light is green but nothing is happening? Can you turn on your speakers and after a while, hear the Windows start music? If so, your video card could be damaged or it needs to be re-seated. Open your case and look at your video card. Depending on whether it is AGP or PCI, make sure all the connectors are in the slot and it isn't loose.

Next, have you tried clearing your CMOS?

1. Take out your motherboard battery and disconnect the PSU main connector from the motherboard. Let it sit for about 2 minutes.

2. Put the battery back in and reconnect the motherboard main. Power up and you should see a CMOS error on your POST screen. It probably says "press F4 to enter setup" but it depends on your motherboard. Once in BIOS, you can redo your settings.

3. Save changes and things should start working after the reboot.

I hope this helps, I just lost my computer last night

Good luck.


PS. Heh, I just saw the "noob" part. If there's anything you need clarified, please ask.

Originally Posted by CaptainMazda

Next, have you tried clearing your CMOS?

1. Take out your motherboard battery and disconnect the PSU main connector from the motherboard. Let it sit for about 2 minutes.

2. Put the battery back in and reconnect the motherboard main. Power up and you should see a CMOS error on your POST screen. It probably says "press F4 to enter setup" but it depends on your motherboard. Once in BIOS, you can redo your settings.

3. Save changes and things should start working after the reboot.

I hope this helps, I just lost my computer last night

Good luck.


PS. Heh, I just saw the "noob" part. If there's anything you need clarified, please ask.

Thanks for replying, but yea, you got the noob part right. That whole second option you gave me went over my head, I didn't get it. I mean I understand some terminology, but I don't know how to do that all, if at all u can explain it to me, then I'm sure i'll be able to at least attempt it, and possibly get it right.
Another thing, I don't think it can be the video card, because I have a laser mouse, and the light in it would go on, and the keyboard lights do not go on at all. I mean, i'm pretty sure nothing in the computer itself got loose, because like i said in my earlier post, all that had happened was that the computer was powered off, and when I powered it on, all the LED lights came on, and the fans work fine, but the monitor turns on w/ a blank screen, and the keyborad and mouse both act as if they aren't even connected. I can't do anything on the computer at all. I hope I cleared it up, if you need anymore information that might help, please let me know. I have Windows XP Home running on my computer, and the video card is an ATI 9800XT AGP card.
Thanks again, but like i said... i'm looking for help urgently! Take care guys. Bye.

Ok, I'll make it easy on you. First make sure there is no power in your computer by disconnecting the cord going from your outlet to the back of your computer in the power supply unit. Open your computer's case and you'll see inside the computer. Now, notice the power supply unit? It is the large box with many wires coming out. On your motherboard, look for one of the power supply connectors. It is the largest one in your computer. Just unplug the connector from the motherboard slot and just leave it there.

Next, find a small, silver disc on your motherboard. It is your computer's battery. Carefully take it out of its slot and put it on your desk or something. Now just wait for 2 or 3 minutes.

Now just reconnect the wire and put the battery back into its slot carefully and also reconnect the cord into the back of your computer. Start your computer and you should receive a warning, depending on your motherboard. Go into your BIOS and load optimal settings. Also, fix your time and clock settings as they will be reset. Save changes and exit BIOS. Windows should load up fine.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by CaptainMazda

Next, find a small, silver disc on your motherboard. It is your computer's battery. Carefully take it out of its slot and put it on your desk or something. Now just wait for 2 or 3 minutes.

Ok, I found everything except the "small, silver disc that you're speaking about. There are many little "battery" like things, they look like mini AA batteries. Sorry if i'm asking too much, but I really don't know too much, and I really appreciate the help. I'll be waiting, thanks.

(disregard the above message. I found the battery i think, let's see what happens).

Alright, I did pull out the battery, and waited 3 minutes and tried again. Again, nothing has come up on the screen, again, i'll mention thta the mouse is not powering up and neither is the keyboard. The monitor turns on and i know it's connected, and the computer is powered on.. no luck. Still i get a blank screen completely, and it takes me no where. Please help as soon as you can, i appreciate it. Thanks.

Anybody have the answer after all I've done? Please.... any help at all? Please get back to me here, thanks. Bye...

Your power supply unit may be on its way out. Is there another PSU you could swap out? Another computer in your home? Borrow one from your friend?

It's all I can think about at the moment, except for a possible motherboard failure. Currently, my motherboard has died and I basically have the same symptoms you've described. When I turn on my computer, the monitor remains on standby but the fans run. The "busy" light on the case remains red. I'd test the power supply first since it's much easier to diagnose.