Black Screen

[jonbar.1]

Three times in the last couple of weeks, my laptop ( Dell) screen has gone black.
I have usually managed (somehow! ) to get back to the desktop.
It is 4 years old.It is always plugged-in,and sits on the table, virtually all the time.I very rarely use it on battery-only.
I tried re-booting and re-starting Windows Explorer after each episode but, seemingly, to no avail.
It's only an intermittent problem, but still annoying!
Any ideas anyone?
Thankyou: JB

[Enrique]

Hi jonbar.1,
Google ......... your Dell model for Black Screen........ loads of Dell links to possible causes.

from Drivesr to loose screen connection.............just change one item at a time and see how things go..........you mybe be some time sorting this issue.

[jonbar.1]

Thanks once again Enrique for your rapid response!

[Enrique]

Hi jonbar.1,

Another approach ........."How to fix black screen problems on Windows 10"

Could be some useful info in this article..............There are others out there........

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix- ... windows-10

Some bits from the above...........

1) A black screen could also happen because Windows 10 will lose its connection with the display.
The "Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B" keyboard shortcut can restart the video driver and refresh the connection with the monitor.

2) turn off Fast start

Lets know how you get on when the issue arises again..............

[jonbar.1]

Thanks again Enrique.
Had a look at the link.Sadly I understood hardly any of the offered solutions.
e.g: "Video Signal cable"?, " Change signal to a different port"? "Switching integrated video card"?, "UEFI"? , "BIOS"?
These are just a few of the tech items mentioned.
Sorry Enrique,I'm an intelligent bloke but the whole link might as well have been written in Ancient Greek for all I could understand of it.
I wouldn't presume on your kindness any further Enrique.I would hate to exhaust your patience.
After all the problem only occurs around once a week.Hardly a catastrophe.
I think I shall find a local computer chap and simply hand over the device,with a wad of euros,and say " fix this please!"
Life's too short to worry about "graphics cards"
.....actually I did know about the "Fast Start".I never have it activated.
Next time,I will try the "W+ctrl+shift+b" as you suggest ( even I can grasp that )
Thankyou again Enrique. JB

[Enrique]

Hi jonbar.1,
A lot in that particular link isn't relevant to you and your laptop, some references are for PC with Separte Monitor.

I did pull out a couple items that are of interest.

"I wouldn't presume on your kindness any further Enrique.I would hate to exhaust your patience."............I'm a Sysamin and do support so not a problem., I'm happy to answer any Questions on Linux/unix and Windows...............

[jonbar.1]

You are a true Guru Enrique.
I wish I could be a better disciple
Cheers JB

[jonbar.1]

Here is an update,if it's of any interest.
As it was looking like a hardware problem;
I did as I suggested.I took the device to a local chap.He had it for 30mins. He said there were a couple of wires which were out of position. He fixed it......€15.
Thanks again for everyone's kind input.