I think my computer went to computer heaven - please help!

[Doglover8180]

Let me explain what is going in with my computer and see if any of you computer gurus might have some insight. So yesterday this happened once and today - it won't quit happening - I am having to type this thread on another computer. My computer has the CCCleaner on it, the free AVG virus protector, and the malaware detector on it. It's a Dell Inspiron - and its approximately 3-4 years old. It's a desktop - it's stayed in one place it's whole life - hasn't been moved around at all. Yesterday, I was reading an article on the screen, and the screen went totally black - I touched the mouse, the space bar, nothing made the screen come back (but the screen was on). So I turned it off and turned it back on - and it worked fine. Figured it was a fluke. Then this morning, I was logging on to check my email - screen went totally black again - but the screen monitor was on - so I pushed the monitor button to turn it off and then turn it back on - screen came back on for just a second.... went off again - but I typed my password in - and heard the computer start as normal.... so push button on the monitor off and on again - comes on for just a second - and I can see in that second - that my desktop looks totally normal - then it goes totally black again... I turned the computer on and off probably 4 times.... boots up fine - just cant' see the screen. I first thought a virus must have just totally eaten the computer over night - but after talking to a computer guru friend... she thinks the monitor or graphics card may be going bad - then I thought - that's great - easy cheap fix - except the monitors cost over $100 dollars and mine isn't that old (but I also did not get the extended warranty from Dell so alll my warranty stuff ended after a year). What do ya'll think it sounds like? And is there any easier /cheaper fix than buying a new monitor which it may or may not even be the problem? Ideas, suggestions? The computer has stayed in the same place since I got it - so it surprises me that the monitor wouldn't last longer than just a few years - it's hasn't been moved around or anything.

[Doglover8180]

Bump.

[Sweet_Southern_Mama]

I'm not a computer expert, but it does sound like it is a problem w/ the monitor. You could probably get a used one pretty cheap. I just did a search on "Local Sales Network" (like craigslist) and I saw them from $10-25. You could also check a used electronics store. If you or a friend had another monitor you could hook to it and see if that is the problem that would probably be best.

[ari'smom]

I don't know if this is it, but I downloaded some sort of Trojan awhile back and had a similar problem - I also have a Dell and so did a number of people I read about when researching my problem. Apparently it hides itself in your registry files or something and is either called or becomes part of explorer.exe. Most virus and malware programs can't pick it up because it's hidden, but after looking it up online a program called hitman pro was recommended. It found a lot of things my other programs didn't pick up, including this one. Unfortunately you can't get rid of it other than reinstalling windows. I've read some posts of people making duplicate explorer.exe files and renaming them then deleting the original or something. But I'm not that computer savvy to follow them lol. But since I ran the program it is behaving a lot better and only blacks out from time to time and disconnects from the internet after a certain amount of time. I have the original disks so i could reinstall, but it is a netbook with no CD drive, so since it's not all that easy I'm living with it for now. You the hitmanpro is recommended on CNet and you can download a trial for free. If that's the problem you're having.

[ari'smom]

Also, if you haven't already, try running your malware and cleaner programs in safe mode. Lots of times certain trojans and malware have the ability to replicate themselves so you need to run the programs in safe mode. For some reason they usually can't do it in safemode. Plus if you don't have the same kind of problems in safe mode, you can be pretty sure it's a virus of some kind and probably not your monitor or graphics card.

Anyway, here is the link to the hitmanpro download at CNet along with some reviews. Hitman Pro 3 (32-bit) - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com Good luck!

[Doglover8180]

The problem is - I can't run any kind of cleaner or anythign on it now - since the screen is totally black and won't stay on for more than a second....

[ari'smom]

Did it turn black in safe mode? If so have you tried hooking up another monitor to it? I assume you checked and rechecked all your cables etc?

[Doglover8180]

I am going to attempt to hook the monitor up to another computer tonight.... I havent tried safe mode... thats another thing I am doing tonight too. Its possible I might have a Trojan on it as well... because for months prior to this - internet explorer would open a million windows by itself and I couldn't make it stop.... So it has other problems before it went to computer heaven today

[Pennstater]

I would recommend this site, they help you for free. I've used them twice

bleepingcomputer.com