Computer screen says Auto Detect, Analog Input?

Question

my dell computer with windows vista was working fine until my father pressed something weird, it may have been the lock function..? im not sure but now the screen says

Auto Detect, Analog Input

no matter how many times i restart the computer, what should i do to get rid of this

Answer 1

It sounds like either the monitor is in the wrong mode or is not properly connected to the computer. Try the monitor's 'input' or 'next input' button. You may have to press it more than once. If that doesn't work, check the connection between the monitor and the computer. Make sure it's all the way in and screwed in place on both ends.

Answer 2

Analog input refers to the VGA input.  The VGA input is that plug with 3 rows of 5 pins.  Most monitors are set up to go to the VGA input if it can't find a signal anywhere else.

I'm assuming your screen is blank, which means the monitor is searching for an input signal.  Lots of things could have happened.  Your father could have disabled the graphics card output that your monitor was connected to.  He could have chosen a display setting that is incompatible with your monitor.

Does the intro screen show when you boot your computer?  The one that says something like "Dell computer" and hit some key to enter setup?  If you get this screen it means something's messed up with the display settings or Windows but the connection to your monitor is OK.  If you don't get it it means the graphics card is broken or you kicked the monitor cord out or something like that.

At any rate, you're lucky that you got a Dell, because they have great tech support.  Just call the tech support number and a technician can walk you through the troubleshooting process.

Answer 3

can you take a pic of what it looks like