Dell flat screen monitor going black

My dell Inspiron 531 flat screen monitor is 3 years old. Yesterday it was flashing and blinking all day. Today it is black. When I turn the monitor off and then back on the screen shows for a few seconds and then goes black again. Before I pay for a tech to come out I wanted to check and see if there was anything i could do myself. Can you replace a bulb? Don't laugh too hard at that question please? lol

 

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA :-D.

Sorry but couldn't resist .

Have you another monitor that you could try?? or test that monitor on another pc ??, As the problem may not lie with the minitor, but with the Graphics card failing.

iain.t :major

 

:-D funny guy!
ok- borrowed neighbors flat screen and it is working a-ok.

 

Can i plug the old monitor into the borrowed laptop i am using- again..... no laughing.:-o

 

nevermind- no hookup.....duh

 

ok- tried my flatscreen on my son's computer. it came on for a few seconds and thern went black.....

 

I have to run out to help my elderly mom. I will check this when I get back- thanks again for assistance.

 

Hi alliecat65,
Your monitor is failing/failed, :cry, its not worth taking it to a shop for repair as you could probably get a new one for the price that a repair shop would charge.
I would stop using that monitor now as it could create other issues with your machine.

iain.t :major