Desktop Computer Packages

how do you connect a Dell monitor to a Compaq Desktop computer and make it work?

I have a compaq desktop and bought a new flat Dell monitor, the cables connect well; but it doesn't work. Aren't they compatible at all? or is there a need of an adapter? can anyone help on this?

Public Comments

1. The monitor must have the same plugs on the back the cables that they plug into match. If not then an adapter wold be needed,for instance a VGA a blue port would not fit a white slotted HDMI port so you would need a VGA/HDMI adapter. If you feel the power is on and the image shows, "No Signal" triple check the cable in the back of the monitor that it is in correctly, I had a PC that had a monitor with a round cable head and if you plug it in wrong it would not work, but still plugged in facing the wrong direction. Next you should have at least got a disk with the monitor, and the disk would have drivers for your PC you need to run the monitor. If you do not you need to search the type of monitor out online and download those. Though most actually 99% of monitors made now are plug and play and need no or minimal drivers and if they do they still work and the internet loads them for you in Windows Update.
2. Did you set the screen resolution to a value the Dell accepts before switching monitors? If the resolution or refresh rate is wrong, it may not work. Note what the Dell requires and then: With the Compac monitor attached, change the resolution and refresh to Dell acceptable values by doing the following: Right click on a blank part of the screen, choose Properties, then settings. First change the resolution to the Dell values. Right click on a blank part of the screen again. Choose Properties, Settings, Advanced, then Monitor, and change the refresh rate to a Dell acceptable value. Finally try the Dell monitor again.
3. both these other answers have some merit to them however considering the fact that you said the parts match up just fine i would say that (like most laptops nowadays) you have a button that you can press to enable to external display. I am on a compaq laptop right now and my button for this function is "function key" + "F4" look closely at your keyboard for symbols you dont recognize or find documentation that explains how to enable or disable the vga adapter on the computer. also the brand of computer never matters when all the specs match up and the parts physically connect correctly. monitors in particular are universal. the standard market refresh rate is 60hz and that goes for all brands unless it is custom changed for one reason or another. so what the guy above me said about a "dell acceptable rate" is completely bunk.