Why does my old monitor not work with my new computer?

Question

I just bought a new computer system (tower only) from Dell, however, I kept my old monitor that is approximately 4 year old (also bought from Dell). When I hooked up my monitor to my computer a black and white screen came up informing me that I had a custom graphic card and I needed a video adapter. When I called Dell they told me that I had everything hooked up correctly and the old monitor should work with the new computer. However, everything does not work correctly. Does anyone know why this is happening? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Try to boot into safe mode by pressing F9 when the computer starts to boot.



If your monitor works in safe mode then you should right click the My Computer icon and select properties. Then click the Hardware tab at the top of that window. Then click Device Manager. Then look through the list for your display adapter. Right click your display adapter and click uninstall. That will remove the current drivers. Reboot the computer and it should reload drivers that are compatible with your monitor.

Answer 2

The old monitor may not be plug&play. There is a file you can download from Dell that has the legacy monitor .INF files. Confirm that all the pins on the monitor cable are in good shape (not bent or pushed into the connector) as this could prevent the P&P drivers from sensing the right monitor.



You'll also want to post the model numbers (from both the back of the monitor and the PC) and the exact error messages to have folks be able to help you.

Answer 3

Keep bugging dell support. They will help you eventually. If you do not even see the initial boot screen, it could be a graphics card issue. You may need an adapter on the cable, but only Dell can tell you for sure.

Answer 4

1. There may be two places to pulg in the monitor to the computer, Have you checked to see if there is another? If so haev you tried the other?



2.Does this happen directly after you start the computer? or after windows loads? If its fter windows loads try holding "ctrl" while the computer starts to load the default video drivers. (this will also start your computer at a very low resalution)



3. Can you tell us the EXACT message it gives you?

Answer 5

Please post the exact message you are getting on your monitor so people can better assist you. It could be that your new computer's video card may be trying to output a resolution/frequency not supported by your old monitor.

Answer 6

If your computer hangs or reboots while you are working on it, it could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software. Detailed instructions at http://tinyurl.com/yk5zpr

Answer 7

it differ from the pentiums