"No Signal" error message

[originalman360]

I have a Dell desktop computer and the error message that I am getting is "No Signal" . This is the only coming up on the computer's monitor. Is it a bad connection between the monitor and c.p.u.? I have tried to hook up the computer to another monitor and I just get a blank screen. Is it the monitor or c.p.u.? Thanks for your help.

[Bovon]

Welcome to TechIMO

That is a generic monitor generated message that is telling you that there is no signal coming to the monitor. It can be anywhere from a defective cable, dead video card...dead cpu or motherboard. Even the computer powersupply could be very weak and is not supplying enough voltage to properly run the machine.

To test the system, remove everything except:

1 module of ram, cpu & fan, a video card (preferably a cheap one...even PCI will work for a test). no other cards or drives attached. With the psu connected to the motherboard and the monitor connected to a video card, momentarily short the two pins where the case switch plugs in..this should turn the power supply on and the cpu fan spins. If you still do not get a signal to the monitor, you have a bad psu, motherboard or cpu.

[originalman360]

Thanks for the information but the only problem I have is this...the type of screws that the computer has are I think they are called rivet screws and I don't know what type of tool I would need to unfasten these screws so that I can get into the computer. I think it has something to do with the cpu because like I said before when I hooked the computer up to another monitor the screen was just blank. As soon as I find a tool that can loosen the screws I will look for the things that you told me that it can be. The way the screws looked are flat-rounded with ahole in the middle sort of like a flat doughnut. If you can help me specify this part I would gladly appreciate it. Thanks again.

[meese]

Wait a minute boss. Those things you are calling rivets ARE rivets. Don't try to take them off. Dell desktop pc cases are different than the typical case that uses screws. Dell's have a latch on the back that you hold in one position and slide the case open like a book.

[Beemer]

Do you have a picture of this case?

IBM had a screwless entry case way back when. A series of panels to remove before the case would reveal its contents.

Cheers!