Since a computer’s video system has two parts, you should check two hardware items when troubleshooting: the monitor and display adapter. To do forensic troubleshooting, it’s a good idea to swap parts to pinpoint exactly where the problem is.
Obviously, you can’t swap a display and display adapter unless you have spare parts. But when you have a spare monitor or display adapter, you can use it to help troubleshoot problems.
Start with screen:
>>Turn off the computer and screen.
>>Unplug the monitor and disconnect it from the console.
>>Connect the replacement screen.
>>Turn on the computer.
Assuming you know your alternate monitor is working, your computer should display an image on the screen. If not, then the problem is with the display adapter.
You can use similar steps to troubleshoot display adapter errors. Replace the current transformer with one that you know works. If this trick fixed the problem, then you know you need to buy a new display adapter.
- The replacements you use for the swap must work in order for the swap to be an effective troubleshooting tool.
- This trick still works when the display adapter is part of the motherboard: just plug a video adapter into one of the computer’s expansion slots. If it works, then the problem is with the video circuit on the motherboard. Buy a new display adapter.