[Fixed] What Does Check Signal Cable On Monitor Mean?

Check Signal cable prompt may appear if the cable is damaged, the insertion port is damaged, CPU issues, graphics card issues, the PC is in hibernation mode, or other hardware malfunctions.

Ever encountered the “Check signal cable” prompt on your monitor? It must have been really disappointing that your monitor ceased to display anything. The prompt may even appear when you have already connected it to the video output port on the PC.

However, the monitor may not be receiving data as it should. It might be that you haven’t plugged it well and that’s why it isn’t displaying anything. Here is how you can check to ascertain the issue:

How To Check The Signal Cable On Your Monitor

Step 1: Switch off both your PC and monitor.

First, you need to ensure your computer is turned off to prevent getting shocked while testing whether the cable is working. If it was in hibernation mode, you might lose most of your unsaved work.

Step 2: Check the signal cable.

Find the signal cable to diagnose whether it has an issue. (It is a thick cord connected to your PC and monitor.) It allows a connection between your video card and monitor to transfer visual data to your screen.

Remove and inspect the cable to ensure the connectors and pins are not damaged. Check the whole cable till satisfied. If the connectors are a bit rusty, it might be the issue.

Step 3: Plug it back again

Once satisfied, plug it back into your PC and monitor. Insert the signal cable securely. If loose, it won’t work. Turn on your computer and if the prompt “check signal cable” comes back again. It might be another issue rather than your cable.

Why the Check Signal Cable On Monitor Prompt Appears On Your PC.

Here are some reasons why the prompt “check signal cable” keeps appearing:

1. The PC has been hibernated or set to sleep mode

If the PC is hibernated or in sleep mode, it can quickly bring that error. Many times we end up putting our computers in sleep mode or hibernation to prevent losing what we were working on. You may also not want to forget where you left off. However, that can cause the error to appear on the screen.

If that might be the issue, simply turn off the computer completely. That will solve the issue, however, you will lose work you hadn’t saved. Luckily, you can check your browser history to check where you left off or get the saved MS Word documents. Therefore, you will be able to retrieve work you were doing.

2. The signal cable hasn’t been inserted well or damaged.

If that doesn’t solve the issue, check whether the video cable is inserted well or damaged. The cable needs to be securely plugged in. Also, ensure the cable is not loosely inserted. If that's not the issue check whether the cable has been damaged. If it is worn out, it can easily cause the “check signal cable” prompt on your monitor.

You can test using your TV. Check the cable well to ascertain that’s the issue. Therefore, you might need to purchase a new one.

3. Damaged port

In case the cable has no issue, then the issue might be with the port. The respective port on the PC can cause the error.

Luckily many monitors and PCs come with different video interfaces like VGA, HDMI, etc. Therefore, if one port gets damaged you can use an alternate one. If all the ports are not in perfect shape, you might need to seek professional help since your computer won’t function well anymore.

4. CPU issues

If you note that the cable or port has no issues, then it is high time to check whether the CPU has issues. It might be that the CPU doesn't have an (iGPU). The only solution is to replace your CPU or get a graphics card.

5. Graphics card issues

Another reason why you might get the error is if the graphics card has some issues.  The graphics card is normally on a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot on the motherboard, so it may stop functioning if it is not seated well.

The PCIe helps connect high-speed input-output connections to ease data transfer. To solve this ensure the graphics card is well fastened Also, check whether the graphics card is in the recommended Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slot since they come in different sizes such as x4, x8, and x16.

6. Issues with other components

If there is no issue with any of the above. The issue might be caused by: dead CMOS battery, motherboard & CPU power cables not connected, weak supply unit, dead CPU, Dead motherboard, or damaged monitor.

If the issue is with any of these, you better get it fixed to ensure your device is in good shape. Otherwise, more issues may arise, and you won’t be able to perform tasks with your computer as before.

Use High-Quality Cables On Your PC

The computer is delicate and if any hardware or software malfunctions, you won’t be able to operate it. Therefore, if you ever encounter the “check signal cable” prompt, be sure to troubleshoot after checking what the problem is. You won’t be able to operate your computer as usual. In most cases, the original cables tend to last, but if they get worn out, try and purchase a high-quality one.

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