Monitor blank, but comp doesn't crash

The screen will turn blue(not BSOD) sometimes black, but the computer will stay on. Don't know if it's the monitor or the video card or something else. I've updated the drivers for the vid card, but it still happened last night. The only way to get the screen back to restart the computer. I have it set to not hibernate and the screen saver is off.

Dell Latitude D510
Pentium M 1.73 G
1 G Ram
XP Pro SP2
Mobile Intel 915GM

Any ideas on what else could cause this?

 

Try a different monitor, if it still does it then a new GFX card then if it still does do it....new mobo.................................
PS...... how do u know the comp is still on? The lights might be on but no 1 home LOL..

 

It's a laptop and I don't have a spare monitor to plug into it when it happens. I can hear the program still running and the noises when you plug in/unplug usb devices.

 

I can hear the program still running and the noises when you plug in/unplug usb devices.?????????????? is that sound or just chatter form your HD? also have you any flix or coulors on Y monitor?

 

Windows makes a sound when you plug in and unplug usb devices. Like a doorbell sound. Also when the program loses a connection, it makes a beeping noise to let me know it is no longer connected. All of this is functioning as it should but the screen is blue.

No, there is no strange activity except for the blank screen.

 

Hi. Does this happen after the same length of time each time, or is it completely random (i.e., after 2 mins, then after 10 mins, etc.)?

 

Hi, Sloopy. It is completely random. Happened once yesterday afternoon and then happened again last night. Sometimes won't happen for days, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. I thought it might be a heat issue since it hasn't happened today and it has been rather cool, but I don't know. The other Dell laptop here is exactly the same and it doesn't have the problem.

 

Go into "Event Veiwer" and check for some "error" flags there should be something there in services giving you some ideas. Hope that helps Cochese

 

Thanks for the suggestion, BC. The only error flags I see are from the mouse. I have to use a serial to USB adapter and sometimes when I plug it in the mouse goes all over the place and clicks by itself. I unplug it and it stops. Don't know why it does that, but it never happens on my HP. I have another monitor now and next time it happens I will plug it in and see if I get anything.

I will post whatever I get and please post any more ideas you might have.