I have a Dell Dimensions 4700 that is past its warranty and past tech support. The screen is black. It will not go on. I know that my monitor works. Are my videocard or my motherboard fried? How can I tell? What can I do to to diagnose & troubleshoot when the computer will not work? If they are fried, can save & I use the memory modules to add memory to my Dell Dimensions 3400 or 3000 that is sluggish? I have re-built a computer before, but I used parts from a computer that was old but worked. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer...I aooreciate any help you can give.

chances are, if the fans are all running (your Power supply might be ok), then it may be your video card. Try swapping it out and see if that works. You may want to check your MOB for bulging capacitors, which will mean the MOB had heated up and may be faulty. Some HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions Cheers

A yellow,or orange, monitor indicator light indicates no signal is getting to the monitor from the video card. Could be the card is not sending a signal, or problem with the cable or connectors. Card may not be seated properly. Light should be green. Look for leaking or bulging capacitors on the motherboard. http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.... Some pictures of them

Thanks for all the prompt replies, I will be trying all those things : ). Thanks again!