Desperately need computer help...

Are you sure buying another computer is not an option? I was having issues similar to what you are experiencing. Going the expense of having a tech diagnose & more than likely wind up spending money for new parts to be put in I chose to look for an inexpensive PC. I'm not promoting this company [ https://sjcomputers.us/ ] just passing along some info that might help.

I bought a Dell refurbished for $280.88 free shipping. This one
https://sjcomputers.us/product/dell...dows-10-altec-wireless-keyboard-mouserenewed/

I haven't had any problems & it boots up in les than a minute.
 
If your monitor turns on but flickers as you said then my guess is that it's a graphic card issue which has been mentioned before. I'm guessing that you have an onboard graphic processor which could be an issue. As has been mentioned , it would help a lot if you could use someone's monitor to see if that works.

With that being said, if your monitor happens to be connected to a stand alone video card then there should be another port which you could connect your monitor to. This would connect the monitor up to your onboard graphic card and hopefully that would work.

Not sure if I am making much sense but it would help to know if your monitor was connected to a stand alone video card or not.
Sorry, but all the terminology is beyond me.
 

Are you sure buying another computer is not an option? I was having issues similar to what you are experiencing so going the expensive of having a tech diagnose & more than likely wind up spending money for new parts to be put in I chose to look for an inexpensive PC. I'm not promoting this company [ https://sjcomputers.us/ ] just passing along some info that might help.

I bought a Dell refurbished for $280.88 free shipping. This one
https://sjcomputers.us/product/dell...dows-10-altec-wireless-keyboard-mouserenewed/

I haven't had any problems & it boots up in les than a minute.
Between moving recently and losing work time, it's not an option.
Years ago, though, I bought two refurbs at different times- the Dell continued to work fine until hacking started, and it also started to register as 'very low battery.' The second one- Lenevo- was junk from the beginning.
 
@JaniceM Why can't these important emails be done on your laptop? I'm just curious.
Laptop is very old, needs to be updated (which I can't do as I don't have admin PW), so most sites won't load. My main email is one example. My online job sites are other examples. All that will load are gmail, Amazon, and with some difficulty also this forum.
(updating laptop is another issue that needs to be resolved, but getting regular PC working is top priority).
 
Sorry, but all the terminology is beyond me.

Sorry, but all the terminology is beyond me.
No worries. If your monitor is connected to a plug that seems isolated from all the other plugs on the back of your computer (in the middle of the tower for example) then it's probably connected to a stand alone graphic card. If the monitor plugs into an area close to where the power cord plugs into then it's probably using the onboard graphic processor.
 
Laptop is very old, needs to be updated (which I can't do as I don't have admin PW), so most sites won't load. My main email is one example. My online job sites are other examples. All that will load are gmail, Amazon, and with some difficulty also this forum.
(updating laptop is another issue that needs to be resolved, but getting regular PC working is top priority).
Use a thumb drive and get a free copy of Linux. That will let you get online pretty easily on your laptop. Do a google search for linux mint USB and also for lost Win 10 admin password.
 
No worries. If your monitor is connected to a plug that seems isolated from all the other plugs on the back of your computer (in the middle of the tower for example) then it's probably connected to a stand alone graphic card. If the monitor plugs into an area close to where the power cord plugs into then it's probably using the onboard graphic processor.
I tried to take pic with phone, sent it to my gmail, but it hasn't arrived.. I don't know how to get pics from phone directly into this laptop
 
This is a solution that might not work for you. Take just the computer to a repair shop, and they will plug a monitor in. If it works buy an inexpensive monitor. If you tell us where you live now, we could find a repair shop to take it to.?
 
No worries. To be honest I'm just swinging for the fences and hoping that maybe your monitor is connected to a stand alone graphic card . . If so then that might be an easy fix. However my guess is that you probably don't have a stand alone graphics card . Most people don't unless they are gamers or use intensive graphic applications. Sorry if I caused any confusion šŸ˜”
 
Thanks and there is a bit to learn but Linux Mint is pretty similar to Windows.
With no money to spare for repairs or replacements, there aren't many options.
Knowledge is power! ;)
Linux can(and does) breathe new life into older computers, and is a valuable option that far too few are aware of. I used to rescue co-worker's personal computers(virus or hardware problems) simply by booting their machine into a Linux 'live' session, copy all data to thumb drive, then simply re-install their Windows OS. I worked for cheap, a bottle of Scotch would do the trick. ;)
 
Try to start your computer in safe mode:

Windows 7 keep tapping the F8 key as it starts.
Windows 10 & 11, Tap the F4 or the 4 key, just
once I think and hold it in.

Good luck.

Mike.
 

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