Question for the computer "geeks"

[SuzySteve]

About a couple times a week, my computer's monitor will fade out (not shut off)and it needs to be tapped on the side to get back to normal brightness.
This can happen while it's being used or when it's first used during the day.
Any ideas what could be happening here?

 

[PrincessHoney]

sounds like a loose wire.... if u have to tap it.... monitors are quite cheap 2nd hand (as most people get one free with their new pcs)
some big companies will even give them away


i advise getting another

 

[Lynxie]

Monitors don't last forever. If it's on the older side, it might just be dying on you. My last monitor did exactly what you're describing right before it died completely. It might be time for you to think about investing in a new one.

 

[ReadyOne]

Many reasons, almost all inside. When it happens, wiggle the cable, trying hard not to jiggle the monitor. If it returns to normal, figure out what way the cable needs to be twisted/kinked to keep it working.

If that doesn't work, then used 17" are $50-$90 depending on which store. LCD flat screens are getting down there, like $150-$200.

 

[Weird Harold]

About a couple times a week, my computer's monitor will fade out (not shut off)and it needs to be tapped on the side to get back to normal brightness.
This can happen while it's being used or when it's first used during the day.
Any ideas what could be happening here?

Could be the flyback transformer or the CRT itself, but either way it's dying and needs to be replaced.

FWIW, the next stage in that kind of failure is that it will start buzzing (usually at a very high frequency that is irritatiing without actually being heard consciously, but it can be an "angry beehive" sort of buzz, too.) The buzzing is annoying, but not dangerous.