Windows 98 Computer

[Chris in 1066]

I have a Windows 98 computer in my "Den" that is no longer sending a signal to my monitor? I have a very special database that only runs on Dos on that computer; and because of illness the computer has not been switched on for over a year. It was working perfectly Ok at that time and the 'Den' although in the garden is nice and dry although cold.
When switched on at the weekend, everything seemed to be ok except the monitor was displaying a 'No Signal' - we tried 3 different monitors (same result) and 2 seperate sets of cables, but nothing changed. Does anyone have any idea as to the problem please?

Chris in 1066

[Geoff]

Sounds like the graphics card has had it. They are cheep enough for a modern one though it probably wouldn't fit your old motherboard.

My advice would be to raid one from a similarly aged machine and try it out. Once the case is off you can change it by undoing a single screw and pulling it out of it's slot in the motherboard.

[Chris in 1066]

Geoff

Thanks, appreciate your comments.
Will have to keep an eye on classifieds to see if I can pick up a working 98 computer

Chris

[Chris in 1066]

Have found and odered the following on ebay
Nvidia Vanta Riva-16 TNT2 Low Profile AGP Graphics Card
Its only 4.90 (free p/p) from a seller in cambridge, so have not lost much if it dosn't work

Chris in 1066

[Geoff]

Well done. Assuming your PC was equipped with an AGP slot then it has to be worth a try at under £5.

Fingers crossed eh

[Kevin]

Hi Chris

Check the pins on the cable to the monitor are not bent, also check that the computer is not full of dirt/dust etc inside, Vacuum out if necessary especially around the power supply and CPU.

The RAM modules may need reseating, carefully take them out and clean the contacts with a rag and replace, making sure they snap back in. You should also do the same for the video card unless its an integrated one of course.

The information on the hard Drive should be retrievable in most cases even if the computer is not working. If you can access the information, it would be wise to back it up to another machine ASAP.