The system was bought about 1.5 years ago. Other than the ''Alien-head and front bezel light remains lit after shutting down'' problem, I had no issue with it.
About 3 weeks ago, an intermittent problem began. When I turn on the computer by pressing the power button, the computer would start (with fans running, harddisk light flashing...etc) with the normal single beep but, once in a while, the monitor gives 'no signal' and stays black. Without anything on the screen, the only thing that I can do is a 'hard shutdown' (ie pressing down the power button for a few seconds). I may have to do this 1 or 2 more times before having back the signal. At this stage, I get the 'abnormal window shutdown' message. I choose 'normal bootup' and then go into desktop successfully.
Things that I have done and noted:-
1. replaced with a new DVI-to-DVI cable but problem remains
2. replaced with a DVI-to-VGA cable but problem remains
3. tried a second DVI output port of the graphics card but problem remains
4. tried another monitor but problem remains.
These 4 tests seem to say that the monitor and the cable are good. The issue seems to be elsewhere.
- I cannot reproduce the problem at will. It happens every few days.
- Once the computer sends a signal to the monitor, everything is fine. So, the problem is always during the computer starting up.
- As I can hear the single beep, I think the computer passes the POST stage successfully.
What could be the cause?
I appreciate any feedback and comment. Thank you in advance!