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Bear with me and retry any of the strategies that are listed here. Sometimes it is possible that what we think we did and what we actually did are two different things. Since you are receiving an error message, at least we know that the monitor isn’t totally broken.

Troubleshooting no video input: power related problems

Make sure that the electrical outlet that you are using actually works. Try plugging another device into it to see if it works. It doesn’t matter what you plug in since you are only checking to see that electrical current is available. Of course, if the computer is on and so is the monitor, you can skip this step.

Troubleshooting no video input: cables

Unplug each cable and plug it back in making sure that it is in the correct spot. Even if you have already completed this task, it won’t hurt to do it again. Sometimes the cable is slightly ajar and this is the reason behind the monitor not receiving a signal. In addition to checking that the cables are plugged in properly, you also need to make sure that the cables are in working order. In order to do this, you need to swap out the cables with those on another computer or you need to purchase new ones. Remember that the monitor has two cables: one for the electricity and one to attach it to the computer.

Troubleshooting no video input: swap out monitors

Borrow a monitor from someone and see if it works with your computer. If it does, then your monitor is probably broken. If you can’t borrow a monitor, try hooking yours up to a different computer to see if it works.

Troubleshooting no video input: Clean the computer

If you haven’t used your computer in a while, you might want to consider getting a can of compressed air and clean the computer.

Troubleshooting no video input: boot up in “Safe Mode”

Booting up in this mode will use the fewest number of drivers, programs, and files on the computer. This is important because the computer is more likely to turn on if there is a problem. To turn the computer on in “Safe Mode,” turn the power button on and immediately begin to press the “F8″ key. Follow the prompts to get into “Safe Mode” or you might also want to check out “Last known good configuration.”

Troubleshooting no video input: check the video card

If you are comfortable playing around with the computer, you can take out the video card and reseat it. This has been known to work. Touch metal before you open the case to ground yourself. Some people even wear latex or rubber gloves to protect themselves when handling the inside of a computer. If you can get the computer on in “Safe Mode,” you can update the video card.

Troubleshooting no video input: additional tips

If you got the monitor to go on when you booted up into “Safe Mode,” complete the following steps to see if you can resolve the problem permanently:

• Run “chkdsk.”(Start, Run, type in “cmd” and press enter.)
• Defrag the computer.
• Check that the memory is seated properly in the computer case.
• Check that all essential devices are properly plugged in.
• Clean the registry using a reliable cleaner such as

Troubleshooting no video input: replace the motherboard or power supply

If everything else has failed up to this point, you might have a hardware issue with either the motherboard or power supply for your computer. A local computer technician will be able to test these components for you. 

Troubleshooting Boot Up Errors: Boot into “Safe Mode”

One of the first steps to take when experiencing boot up problems is to attempt booting up into “Safe Mode.” This type of boot up uses the least amount of drivers and applications, so it is easier to get the computer started with it when something is wrong. Some of the programs that normally open on start up will not open during this type of boot up. If you aren’t using the Windows 98 operating system, use a variation of the directions that are given.

Follow these steps for Windows XP to boot up in Safe Mode:

1)      Starting with a computer that has been shut down, turn the power on. As the power is coming on, you need to press the “F8″ key repeatedly. A dialog box will appear with options for you to select. If this dialog box does not appear, start over and this time, wait a few seconds before hitting the “F8″ key.

2)      In the dialog box, select the option for “Safe Mode.”

3)      Press enter. The computer should start up in “Safe Mode,” and you can begin the next set of directions.

Troubleshooting Boot Up Errors: “System Restore”

The “System Restore” feature allows you to set your computer back in time to the settings it had when it was working properly. Hopefully, this strategy will restore your computer to proper functioning and the problem will be resolved. Try to pick a date that occurred before you started seeing this problem. Use these directions:

1)      Navigate to Start in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.

2)      Click to open “All Programs.”

3)      Click to open “Accessories.”

4)      Click to open “System Tools.”

5)      Click to open “System Restore.”

6)      Follow the prompts as they appear.

Troubleshooting Boot Up Errors: Additional Tips

1)      Once you have completed the two strategies listed above, run an up-to-date anti-spyware/anti-virus application on your computer.

2)      Use a reputable registry cleaner such as RegCure to clean the computer’s registry.

3)      Delete programs and files that you no longer need or want to clean up your computer.

My printer prints fine except from word works Microsoft. It used to work about a year ago now it empties queue but prints a blank paper please help

Since you can print from other applications, the problem is most likely with the program that you are using and not the printer. Try the first set of directions first, move on to the next two, and then if all else fails, use the final set of directions.

Run the Repair Option

If you still have the installation disk for the computer, then you can reinstall Microsoft Works. Use the disk to select and run the repair option. That should make a difference and you should be able to print now. Repairing the program will not cause you to lose your saved work. If this hasn’t worked, don’t lose hope as more than one problem might be creating this scenario so just try the next option.

Update the Printer Drivers

Quite a few printing problems are readily solved simply by updating the printer drivers. Visit the website for the manufacturer of your printer and search for the latest drivers using the model number of the printer. Download and install any updated drivers. Typically, updated drivers include improvements that simplify and reduce the potential for problems or printing errors.

Reduce the Resolution Setting

Sometimes this type of problem can be resolved by reducing the resolution setting for the printer. Follow these directions to decrease the resolution setting on your printer:

1)      Select “File” in the menu of the document that you are trying to print.

2)      Select “Print.”

3)      In the print dialog box, make sure that the printer you are trying to use is selected in the “Name” box and click “Properties.”

4)      Select the tab for “Graphics.”

5)      Look for the “Resolution” box and select a lower resolution setting.

6)      Select “ok.”

7)      Now select or place a check in the box for “Draft quality printing” and click “ok.”

8)      Print the document.

Reinstall Microsoft Works

If none of the above solutions have worked for you, then you will probably need to reinstall Microsoft Works. Save your work on a USB drive or CD so that you don’t lose it when you reinstall the program.

One of the newer features of web browsers such as Internet Explorer is the pop-up blocker component. The Pop up Blocker is turned on by default in Internet Explorer when you obtain recent updates for these web browsers. This is one of the reasons why so many of us are surprised by our sudden inability to view web pages that we used to be able to see.

Typically, this feature can block certain backgrounds as well as pop-up windows on websites. If this pop-up blocker feature has been enabled, you will not be able to view certain web site pages on your computer. However, you can disable this feature in just a few short steps. Keep reading to discover how.

How to Disable Pop up Blocker in Internet Explorer: through “Tools”

Follow these simple steps to disable Pop-up Blocker from the “Tools” menu.

• Navigate to “Start.”
• Select “All Programs”
• Select “Internet Explorer.”
• Navigate to “Tools” and click on “Pop-up Blocker” if it is selected to disable it.

How to Disable Pop up Blocker in Internet Explorer: through “Internet Options”

• Navigate to “Start.”
• Select “All Programs”
• Select “Internet Explorer.”
• Navigate to “Tools” and click on “Internet Options.”
• Navigate to the “Privacy” tab and clear the box in front of “Block Pop-ups” to disable it.
• Select “Apply” and “ok.”

How to Use the “Allowed web sites” list

If you want to allow pop ups for certain web sites and not for others, then follow this set of directions.

• Navigate to “Start.”
• Select “All Programs”
• Select “Internet Explorer.”
• Navigate to “Tools.”
• Click on “Pop-up Blocker”
• Click on “Pop-up Blocker Settings.”
• Type in the address of any web site that you wish to allow pop ups in and click “Add.” Repeat this as needed.
• Click “Close” when finished adding websites to the “Allowed List.”

Phishing Filter

Another possibility is that the phishing filter on IE has been enabled. This is a known problem with Internet Explorer 7 and it will create viewing problems. To check for this and turn the phishing filter off, follow these directions:

1)      Open up Internet Explorer.

2)      Click to open “Tools.”

3)      Click “Phishing Filter.”

4)      Select the option to turn off the phishing filter.

Use an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Application

As a precaution, you should run an up-to-date anti-virus/anti-spyware application on your computer.

“Not Responding” error messages happen with Windows finds that a program isn’t behaving properly. You shouldn’t need to pay for AOL to play free online games - even AOL games. You can use any browser to access the AOL games, and that is the first place I would start. I’m not going to tell you to cancel AOL, but a lot of techs would agree that canceling AOL is a good first step.

Use Another Browser

I’m not sure how you are getting to the AOL games site, but the first thing to try is another browser. For example, if you are using Internet Explorer, try Mozilla Firefox to get to AOL. Many times, there is an issue with your browser and simply switching will make your problem go away.

AOL Fix

You can try this fix within AOL. It allows you to troubleshoot one issue at a time until you hit on one that works. First, close AOL. Now go to Start and then Programs and choose AOL. Go to AOL System Information. If you have the AOL icon on your desktop, you can simply right click on it and choose System Information. From here, you will choose Utilities and then open “One Click Fixes”. You should run each of these in order and check after each one to see if your problem is solved. To run the fix, choose “Fix it for me”.

• Clear Internet Explorer Cache and Replace AOL Adapter
• Rebuild Current Connection Location
• Rebuild AOL Adapter/Delete ACS Files
• Repair ACS
• Quick Restore

Firewall

You may have an issue with your firewall or security settings blocking AOL games from functioning properly. Find your security system and try disabling the firewall temporarily and see if you can get to AOL games. If that works, try setting your security lower or making AOL Games an accepted site within your computer security. You definitely don’t want to leave your firewall off for long, as having protection for your system is more important than accessing games.

If you like online games and that is really the only thing you do with your computer, you might consider canceling AOL and exploring the many gaming sites that are on the Internet. Good luck!

My PC is capable of high quality gaming with a Vista rating of 5.3. I get about 5 minutes of perfect gaming, and then all of a sudden the entire screen is filled with a sequence of 3 squares. This persists for about 10 seconds during which I can continue gaming with these accursed squares, then Windows shuts down to the Blue Screen (this also has the squares), and resets my PC. All games have been updated with the latest patches and my drivers for my graphics card are all up to date. What could be causing this?

I’ve edited your question, but you gave me a lot of specifics on your machine - thanks for that. You say you’ve updated your video card drivers, which is good because that was going to be my first suggestion. As long as you are sure that it is not a problem with your drivers, let’s move on with some more troubleshooting.

My first question is - does the blue screen have an error message? If so, that can really narrow down where the problem is originating. Without that information, my best guesses are memory issues, a conflict or motherboard issue.

Memory Issue

You say that you are running 2GB of Ram, which is what I would have suggested. Have you tried switching the ports, and making sure you are only using the first and second slots? Also, have you checked the sticks to make sure that one of them isn’t having an issue? You can try switching some things out to see if you can pinpoint where there is a problem. Test your memory on a website such as Memtest.

Conflict

Other gamers have had this issue when there is a conflict between the sound card drivers and the graphics card drivers. To test this theory, try disabling your sound card and then try to play one of the games that’s giving you trouble. This is most common with people who have upgraded from Windows XP to Vista either 32 or 64.

Update BIOS

You may need to update your BIOS. You can find out if there is an update available by finding the manufacturer for your motherboard and going online to check. You can find the motherboard manufacturer most easily by opening the case and checking the name on the board itself. Download the update to the desktop and install and see if that helps your blue screen problem.

Overheating

The last suggestion is to check for overheating issues. You may need a new heat sink in order to run high-performance graphics, or it could be as simple as cleaning the fans and dusting the interior so that the cooling system you have works properly. You can use an application such as Speed Fan to check your computer’s internal temperature.

I hope that one of these suggestions will help you avoid the dreaded blue screen and get you up and running quickly.