PC Boot Problem

Hi Chaps,
I'm hoping you can help me out with this one. Twice now I've turned on the PC and although I can hear the power supply, and the lights all come on, it doesn't boot - nothing on the screen which simply states 'no signal'
I found that disconnecting the power gets it working again although it takes about 5 minutes to sort itself out.
Anyone think what might be causing this?
I'm running Win7 32bit on a 3yr old PC with 4gb RAM, but I'm wondering if it might be hardware related rather than software - then again I haven't a clue.

Thanks

Hi Mike

The "No Signal" message is pointing to the graphics card or monitor. When the monitor is not getting a signal from the computer, you will see that massage.

You might try pulling the graphics card out (if not onboard) and then putting the card back. This might help if there is a bad connections between the card and motherboard.

How would this explain unplugging the PC and it working? I should also have mentioned there are no beeps when it doesn't boot up, suggesting it doesn't get that far? When it does it gives one beep.

How old is your graphics card? Once I had one that was not too old and the thermal interface material (thermal grease) had dried out and cracked! It caused the GPU to fry out and the card was dead!

The whole PC is just over 3 yrs old.

If there is no beeps and such I believe your problem may be the monitor. Try using another monitor real quick, also you may want to be sure you are attaching the devices correctly. You may also want to check the cables and cords to be sure no damage may have come to them.

Completely disconnecting the power will reset all memory and force your hardware to make new connections with each other. If power has not been completely disconnected, any problems or glitches can be carried to the next boot.

I wasn't telling you this would fix your issue but certainly wouldn't hurt to give it a try. It is entirely up to you if you want to try our suggestions or not. I too had this very same issue not long ago and had to use the VGA cable for a few days. Funny thing the DVI started working again on its own.
Read more about my issue here - My computer booted to a black screen

PS - The only way we can help is if you try our suggestions and let us know if they worked or not. There are hundreds of smart people here reading the pages and if they don't know what you tried, there really is no point to suggesting anything further. You can take this as you like, I have seen a few suggestions but you have not posted back that you tried them much less whether or not they worked. Please let us know what you have tried and that it worked or not.

Did the computer beep before? Some newer build no longer have that function.

I believe your computer is booting up, based on what I have read. Your graphics card may have gone kaput on you.

One time I accidentally bumped the "Source" button on the bottom of my monitor, changing it from Digital source to Analog source, and I couldn't see the video either. Check and see if you have that feature and check the setting.

I came here to learn allot more about computers and you guys are doing a great job of teaching me. I am by no means an expert on hardware and im learning allot by suggesting things and then listening to everybodys response. Thank you Nibiru2012
and clifford_cooley you both taught me something new today. Also Yes I agree it sounds like a graphics card issue or a monitor issue, again I am no expert but you guys are helping me along the way to perhaps being one someday.

I'm not being 'arsey' just trying to understand how these things work and therefore increase my own knowledge.
My monitor has a DVI plug but is connected to the back of the PC via a VGA adaptor (looks like a dongle).
Checked all cables and re plugged etc and so far it has booted up OK each time but time will tell. As it boots up it gives one beep, after which the monitor turns on. When I get the problem there is no beep and no monitor connection.

After disconnecting etc when it does boot back up it is very stuttery in loading windows, and presumably all other services. I have the clock on the desk top and the second hand moves every 3-5 seconds at a time for about 3 minutes.

Haven't had chance to re seat anthing yet but will give it a go next time the problem occurs (if it occurs).

Thanks all,