No access to monitor

[KJL_04]

I cannot access my monitor. Box shows "HDMI1, HDMI2, VGA inactive, check input cable, check video source. Going into sleep mode."   I have changed the HDMI cable and it still shows the same message.  I have turned off the monitor, the computer and restarted, and get the same message.  This happens off and on and not steady, but its annoying.  Always when I need to have access to it.  

[Irfan_06]

Hi @KJL_04,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

The issue you're experiencing with your HP Slim Desktop PC S01-pF2000i could be due to several factors, such as incorrect monitor input selection, a hardware fault, or an intermittent connection. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Verify Monitor Input Selection

• Check Input Source: Use the monitor's physical buttons or on-screen display (OSD) menu to confirm that the correct input (e.g., HDMI1, HDMI2, or VGA) is selected.
• Switch Inputs: If the monitor supports multiple inputs, toggle between them to ensure it’s on the correct one.

2. Ensure Proper Cable Connection

• Reseat the HDMI Cable: Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable at both the monitor and PC ends. Ensure it's securely connected.
• Inspect Ports and Cable: Check for bent pins or physical damage to the ports or cable.
• Try Another HDMI Port or Cable: Test the connection with a different HDMI port on the monitor or PC if available. Even though you changed the cable, testing another eliminates potential cable issues.

3. Reset the Monitor

• Turn off the monitor and unplug it from power.
• Wait for about 5 minutes.
• Reconnect the monitor to power and the PC, then turn it back on.

4. Check for System Output

• Force Detect Display:
  1. Power on your PC and wait a few minutes.
  2. Press Windows + P and use arrow keys to select a display mode (e.g., "Duplicate," "Extend").
• Check Graphics Card: If your PC has both integrated and discrete graphics (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD), ensure the monitor is connected to the correct HDMI port (likely the one on the discrete GPU).

5. Test with Another Monitor

• Connect your desktop to a different monitor or TV to rule out issues with the monitor itself.
• If the issue persists, the problem could be with the PC’s HDMI output or the graphics hardware.

6. Update or Reset Graphics Drivers

• Boot into Safe Mode if the display works intermittently:
  1. Restart your PC and press F8 or hold Shift while clicking Restart to access Safe Mode.
  2. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager) and expand the "Display adapters."
  3. Right-click the graphics adapter and select "Update driver."
  4. Alternatively, uninstall the driver and restart your PC. It will reinstall the default driver.

7. Check Power Settings

• A power-saving setting might be causing the issue:
  1. Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep.
  2. Adjust sleep and display turn-off times to ensure they don't interfere.

8. Update the BIOS and run the Hardware Diagnostics

• Update BIOS: Clicking on the link.

Make sure you keep only the charger plugged in while updating the BIOS for your PC.

Click on the + sign next to BIOS and then download the file.

Open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

• Run Diagnostics:

1) Shut down the computer.

2) Turn the computer back on again and repeatedly tap on the ESC until a Startup menu appears.  

3) Press F2 once.  

4) Go to the system test > extensive test

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support