Monitor issues

[KacieDH12]

I recently got an HP monitor, model number S2031 from a second hand store. When I plugged it in and turned the computer on, the monitor displayed a screen showing it was trying to detect DVI or VGA. After a few seconds, it would find nothing and the monitor would go into sleep mode.

I have been using a barely used VGA cable as I have no DVI cable. I have unplugged and unplugged with no luck. I have attempted to access the monitor menu with no luck. No matter what I press, the monitor just goes through the same cycle. I've tried holding down Menu but no change.

Is there anything else I can try that doesn't involve going back to the store and playing guessing game with another monitor?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @KacieDH12,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks for sharing the details — I understand how frustrating this must be, especially when you're hoping the second-hand deal just works out of the box. Let's go through a few steps to help you troubleshoot the HP S2031 monitor, using just your VGA setup for now.

1. Verify VGA Cable and Port

• Make sure both ends of the VGA cable are firmly connected — to the monitor and the PC.
• Try a different VGA cable, if available (even "barely used" cables can go bad).
• Test the VGA port on the computer with another monitor, if you can — this will confirm it's outputting a signal.

2. Force VGA Mode on Monitor

Sometimes the monitor may not automatically detect the VGA signal and default to DVI. Try manually switching the input:

• Press the "Input" button (usually labeled Source or Auto) on the bottom or side of the monitor.
• If you don’t see anything happen: Press and hold the Input button for 5–10 seconds after powering on the monitor.
• Try pressing the Input/Source button immediately after turning the monitor on — sometimes there's only a short window before it sleeps.

3. Power Cycle the Monitor

1. Turn off the monitor.
2. Unplug the power cable and VGA cable.
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
4. Reconnect the VGA and power cable, then power on.

4. Boot with Only One Monitor Connected

If you have multiple monitors connected to your PC, unplug all others and connect only the S2031 via VGA.

• Boot into BIOS (tap F2, DEL, or ESC depending on your system) to see if the monitor picks up anything before Windows boots.
• If BIOS doesn't appear, your system might be outputting only to DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort.

5. Try a Different Computer

If possible, plug the S2031 into a different computer using VGA — this will help isolate whether the issue is with the monitor or your computer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[KacieDH12]

1. I have checked, double checked, triple checked, and even more to make sure both ends were fully connected. I've even unplugged and replugged them multiple times. There was no change.

I don't have a spare VGA cable at the moment nor another working monitor that takes VGA.

2. The monitor doesn't react to any of the buttons aside from one that just locks the monitor and the power button. I kept pressing on the buttons with various pressure until my fingers got sore with no change. I have also attempted to hold down different buttons but that didn't work.

3. I have attempted this with no luck. The same thing I've described just keeps happening.

4. I only have one working monitor with VGA support.

I will also reiterate that I'm not able to see anything on the monitor except its attempts to connect DVI or VGA then going to sleep mode. It isn't possible for me to boot into the BIOS.

5. I do not have another computer with the correct port to test the monitor on, nor do I know anyone who does. I don't want to have to buy a whole other system just to check if the problem is the cables or monitor.

And as I've said before, I have no other working monitor to test if the monitor is the issue or the computer.

Also, I had purchased a DVI cable and there is no change. I still get No Signal for both VGA and DVI, even if both are plugged in at the same time.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @KacieDH12,

Thank you for the response.

Since VikramTheGreat is not available at the moment, I will be assisting you further.

Try Forcing Display Output on the PC

If your system defaults to HDMI/DisplayPort, and you're using an integrated GPU or even a GPU with multiple outputs, it might not be outputting anything to VGA/DVI.

Boot your PC, and while it’s on, press Win + P repeatedly.

Give it 5 seconds between presses. This cycles through the display output modes, it might suddenly push a signal through VGA or DVI.

 

Try Safe Mode Boot (Blind Boot Method).

If the computer is running fine but just not showing video, try this :

Turn on the computer and wait 2 minutes to let it boot into Windows.

Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B, this is a Windows shortcut to reset the graphics driver.

Wait a few seconds and then try the Win + P method again.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help ! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful ?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster ! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,