Tech question PC video during post..but none once the OS starts

[Glengoyne]

A friend has asked me to help with a computer problem. He just moved the computer from one room to another, but upon setting it up in its new location, he has no video. Actually his monitor ocasionally blinks and a picture is displayed. By blink, I mean that some times the video flashes, and you see the XP login screen.

The monitor has both Analog(SVGA) and Digital(DVI) connectors. They were both plugged in before and after the move. I have never had the need for a DVI cable, so I'm really unclear on any configuration options.

I brought over my new monitor, and connected it to his system(both connections). It displayed video during the bootup sequence, displayed video as I went through the CMOS setup screens, I could see the standard "loading XP"/floating XP screens, but once it booted into the OS the display went dark.

Any tips? I simply haven't messed with PCs in too long a time. It is embarrasing that I used to build these things, and now I'm easilly stumped.

[MizzouRah]

Does it boot in safe mode?

If so, go into device manager and uninstall the video card. Reboot.

[Glengoyne]

Good call on the safe mode. I was pressing the f5 button when I was at his computer. I don't think I tried F8. 'cause I was sure I was right about F5. I'll see what happens.

What about the bit about having both cables analog and DVI plugged in at the same time? Is that normal?

[MizzouRah]

Hmmm... should be one or the other. Either he's using analog or DVI. - maybe that's the problem. If he has DVI on his video card and the cable for the monitor, make sure the monitor is switched to that output.

[Surtt]

Whenever I have had the screen show the log on and then goes blank, a screen resolution has been set to something the monitor can not handle.

I would also advise only using one cable.