[TheTROLL]

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I have a PC desktop. The monitor is a Dell 17" that is about 7 years old. The tower is one year old.

Just recently, something odd started happening. Every once in a while, the monitor screen just goes black. Its power is still on and the computer is functioning normally (I can hear IMs coming in, etc.) but I just can't see a thing. Then about 15 seconds later, it comes back on like nothing happened.

Any guesses?

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Try it on another PC to confirm the issue is with the montior not the PC, but probably a soldered connection inside the monitor has failed. Does slapping it hard when it goes blank restore the picture? I really wouldn't spend much time on a screen worth about $3. Replace.