WARNING: Before you start troubleshooting remember that you are dealing with electricity that can KILL. http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/static.php - rules Only work inside the computer case when the power has been switched off and disconnected. Never open the power source. Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer. While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential hazards Test all leads that attach to your hard drive including electrical extensions IDE SATA the leads from your ((motherboard to your hard drive)) make sure they have secure dust free connections and are not faulty or just replace them they might be faulty if its a 40 pin flat ribbon type it will be the first to fail make sure all leads that are attached to your drives dvd\cd 3 1/2 inch floppy have secure dust free connections and are not faulty even something as small as an electrical fan and its lead can cause you problems computers need all power and data to continue through every working device and to have an end so any faulty leads will end up with a computer error make sure your graphics card is securely seated with no dust built up or in the socket if you remove your graphics check the socket to make sure its dust free restart your computer then reinstall it this should activate found new hardware wizard or you might try You will need to connect to another monitor or your television to your computer with the vga lead monitor connection. Click start control panel display change display settings adjust resolution this may vary depending on your operating system You should see a no 1 and a no 2 with detect and identify keep an eye on the screen when you select the number tabs this may vary depending on your operating system when you select the no 2 tab this should be the extended desktop always click apply after making any changes. If you can get an extended desktop your monitor is faulty if you cant get an exended desktop Hope this helps.