Trying Roku TV to act as monitor for desktop using VGA-HDMI adapter. No display & no signal per TV?

[jodash]

Hello HP Community!

I am not tech savy by any stretch (still stuck in the 80's;) but I moved across country bringing my HP Pavilion p6204y desktop with me, MINUS the original monitor and speakers. I was told that could possibly use my TV as a monitor for this PC. It was also brought to my attention that this model has no graphic's card or video card, which confuses me because it was fine with the original monitor it came with? 

I realize that this model is obsolete and I have in fact replaced it with a laptop, however, I wanted to at least see what was left on the PC's harddrive to either erase it all before disposing of it, or possible continue using it for storage, music or whatnot? It still has the CD drawer, which I loved burning my music with, and which allso appears to be a discontinued feature with today's technology. I know, I know, it's all digital, but I told you I'm a dinosaur;) If anyone can offer some feedback, I'd be most appreciative. Serial# is below.  If you need any other info, or photos, please let me know. Thanks so much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The problem is usually those VGA to HDMI cables/adapters don't work because they don't convert the VGA's analog output to the digital output used by HDMI.

Usually folks get around the problem by installing a PCIe x 16 video card with DVI/HDMI or Display port outputs.

You can try a cheap, used but tested and working Nvidia GT 210 video card, or you can remove the hard drive and put it in a 3.5 inch hard drive enclosure and plug the enclosure's USB port into a working PC and see if you can read/copy any files from the hard drive to the PC.

You can see that the first video card listed has 3 different outputs you can connect to.

nvidia gt 210 | eBay

[jodash]

Huh? :)...Seriously, thank you Paul for taking the time...

Now I just need to show your answer to a translator to see if I can completely understand it;) No fault of yours;)

While I have you, here's another question: Should I decide to simply trash this HP Pavilion, how can I make sure the information on it is deleted for security purposes?  Oh, sorry, here's one more ...Do you think this PC is worth selling for parts? I mean in the event that someone would be interested in isuch an older model albeit in good condition with probably lots of storage, and the CD drawer, wink wink. I used it only for personal matters not for work. But even so, I still would need to wipe it clean of my personal information... Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

In order to use the TV, you need to buy and install a video card with a digital video output.

Your PC is so old, that can only use a limited range of outdated video cards, which is why I recommended a used GT 210 that according to the eBay listings would cost less than $20.

The first card on the list shows that it can connect 3 different ways...VGA, DVI and HDMI, so that would be perfect.

EVGA GeForce GT 210 1GB GDDR3 PCIe Graphics Video Card HDMI 01G-P3-1312-LR | eBay

You can just use a HDMI cable from the PC to the TV and get both audio and video.

Then you would need to know how to open up the PC's case and install the video card.

This guide may help.

Venus_ID09_EMEA_CSR.book (hp.com)

As far as the drive and protecting your data...since you can't read any info on the drive due to no signal, you'd be best off removing the drive, taking a hammer to the drive, and literally beat it to death, so the data is permanently lost.

Wear protective eye covering, depending on how aggressively you want to smack it.

Then find a local PC repair shop and see if they will recycle the rest of the PC for you.

The local repair shop in my town takes all kinds of electronic equipment, and I have given them several PC's and notebooks to use or dispose of as they saw fit.

[jodash]

You're the Best, Paul!

Thanks for breaking it down (especially per end of your note:) or should I say, taking it up a notch by trying to translate and explain more about the various options to consider:) I will weigh the pros and cons of each one:) I must say, though, taking a hammer and beating the harddrive to death sounds pretty appealing to me:) Hmm, note to self, add safety goggles to my shopping list;) LOL.  Gracias!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance. 

[jodash]

Hello again, Paul!

I awoke this morning with yet another question:) But don't worry, I'm not losing any sleep over this, hah haha...

So with all the things that I need to acquire for updating and introducing Old Betsy to the year 2021, I'm wondering why I didn't have this type of issue before with the original monitor/speakers which came with the PC?  I mean, I don't necessarily have to use my TV as a monitor if just getting another compatible one and/or speakers will accomplish the same goal. If that's possible, I just as well try that route and save myself the extra trouble in converting this and that...and my brain from exploding; LOL. Do you think that would work? Please let me know the pros and cons of that option because I'm sure there's probably something I'm missing;)  Thanks, and have a great weekend!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your computer monitor most likely had a VGA input that matches the one on the back of your PC.

Your TV does not and as I wrote the other day, 99.9% of the time those VGA to HDMI cables/adapters don't work because they do not convert the analog video output from the VGA port to a digital video input needed by the TV.

Most TV's do not have VGA inputs.

I suspect that while it may be easier to buy a monitor that still comes with a VGA input and a pair of PC speakers, that would cost a whole lot more than installing a $20 video card and a $10 HDMI cable.

But that is completely up to you.

Just make 100% sure any monitor you buy has a VGA input, or you will be in the same boat you are in now.

[jodash]

Hi again!

Ok, thanks again for your response! Monetarily, it did cross my mind that using my TV as a monitor could be cheaper than buying another compatible monitor (with speakers) and that might be the case unless I get lucky and find the items used?  I found an HP Envy printer for $5.00 at a thrift store a few months ago! Best electronic deal I ever made:)

So for me, personally, I think it's more about the technical aspect of hooking everything up with the possibility that it doesn't work and then having the hassle of returning it all. Sometimes you have for conveneince and if there's not much difference between the cost of the two options then we go with whatever is easiest to do.

Thanks again for all of your information:) I appreciate your time. I will continue to consider the pros and cons of everything and eventually I will come to a decision:) Ahem!!:)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.