Help with PC screen

[Andoran]

So yeah, I'm only 14 and I'm clueless when it comes to computers. Just two days ago my mothers desktop computer started acting very oddly. It's only 2 or three years old but every few seconds the entire screen will go completely dark. I can still see the desk top and any other windows I had open but only very faintly. I found that the problem can be solved by turning the monitor off then on again. Unfortunatly the problem resumes after a few minutes or seconds. Any ideas as to what's going on? Mom blames this on me again, and I just want her to get off of my back for once. Her computer currently has a NVIDIA GeForce Mx420 video drive or card whatever you call it. I'm not sure what her CPU speed or RAM capacity are, or how to check them for that matter. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated!

[Panama Red]

Is this a CRT monitor or an LCD flat screen monitor? Try connecting the monitor to a different pc and see if the problem is still there. If it is, you need a new monitor. If the problem isn't in the monitor, you might try removing the video card and reseating it (with the power disconnected) followed by updating the video drivers from the PC maker's web site. I'm assuming this is a store bought PC.

[Andoran]

It's an LCD flat screen. We don't have, any extra PC's to hook it up to. I'll try doing that to the video card, I'm just now sure how to get it out and update it.

[Andoran]

Nope, never mind trying to help me out here. I just relayed your suggestion to her and she shot me down saying that what ever I'll do will just mess her computer up even further. Thanks anyway. =(

[tomster2300]

Try explaining to her that by doing this you would actually be saving her money. You would know if it's a faulty monitor or not; if it's not then it doesn't have to be replaced.

I personally ignore my mother when she blames a computer problem on due to my tampering because I normally fix it sooner or later.

[glc]

Well, you do have to learn by experimentation, but you should not experiment on someone else's computer. I'd comply with your mother's wishes.

It sounds to me like an intermittent backlight on the LCD (the symptoms as you describe point to this) - she needs to get warranty service on the LCD itself - if it's still covered. If you can get a different monitor to test this theory with, that should be your first (and possibly only) step. Do not open the PC case without her permission.

If she chooses to take the computer to a shop for diagnosis and repair, suggest to her that she should bring both the computer and the monitor in.