I inherited this computer from my dad in 2000 and it worked fine then with a brand new monitor. I used it for 3 years before we purchased a new computer. I haven't turned it on since then (that was 2003.) I tried turning it on a few months ago and I can't see anything on the monitor. I even tried a different monitor to see if that was the problem, but got the same response - nothing. I can hear the computer humming and doing its normal start-up sounds, as well as the monitor(s). I can turn on the monitor menu to adjust the brightness and color levels, but I can't see anything else. How do I get the computer and monitor communicating again?

I checked the cable connection from the monitor to the computer and it's connected properly.

I checked to see if the mac adapter for the monitor was still attached to the computer and it is.

Old computers die, but first lets check out some tings. Most macs had video cards not integrated or "on board" video. It is possible that the card is loose or the connections are tarnished both could cause your video problems.
If you are up to it you could check these yourself you will need a #2 & #1 Phillips head screw driver, a anti EDS wrist strap and a pencil with eraser. Turn off the computer, unplug all cables and move the computer to a surface that will give you room to work and good light. Open the case models differ but you should be able to look at it and figure it out. Put on the anti ESD wrist grounding strap and connect the other end to the mettle of the case. Find the video card and remove the retaining screw. Remove the card by pulling it straight up. Use the eraser to clean the contacts along the bottom of the card where it plugged into the board. Re seat the card taking care to align the card with the slot. Seat the card with even firm pressure replace the retaining screw ans check the connection of all cables. Because I do not know the model or options installed on your computer I can not give more detailed instructions. Close the case secure all screws and test the computer. Parts for these older machines are in short supply so if this dose not work have a qualified technician checkout the computer before obtaining parts to insure what part is needed.
Good Luck

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cmeeks

Old computers die, but first lets check out some tings. Most macs had video cards not integrated or "on board" video. it is possible that the card is loose or the connections are tarnished both could cause your video problems.
If you are up to it you could check these yourself you will need a #2 & #1 Phillips head screw driver, a anti EDS wrist strap and a pencil with eraser. Turn off the computer, unplug all cables and move the computer to a surface that will give you room to work and good light. Open the case models differ but you should be able to look at it and figure it out. Put on the anti ESD wrist grounding strap and connect the other end to the mettle of the case. find the video card and remove the retaining screw. remove the card by pulling it straight up. Use the eraser to clean the contacts along the bottom of the card where it plugged into the board. Re seat the card taking care to align the card with the slot. Seat the card with even firm pressure replace the retaining screw ans check the connection of all cables. Because I do not know the model or options installed on your computer I can not give more detailed instructions. Close the case secure all screws and test the computer. Parts for these older machines are in short supply so if this dose not work have a qualified technician checkout the computer before obtaining parts to insure what part is needed.
Good Luck

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Thank you for responding! I had given up hope on this website. The model is a Performa 6200. I looked at the logic board, and there is not a video card. I don't know what options my dad had put on this computer, but I do know he upgraded it to have the most memory possible. (I saw two 32MB SIMMs cards.)

I'm using the diagram on the following website to determine where the video card would be located on the logic board: Power Mac 6200 Motherboard

Any other thoughts of what I can do?

Let me do a little research this model dates back to my first life as a Mac geek let me see if I can scrounge and old manual, I should be able to find one on the service side of the Apple site. However I am away from my main computer and I never can remember my log in. If the video dose not plug into a card that then plugs into the board you may be abble to add a video card and get video. I hope to be able to get back to you in a day or so, sorry I can't git the info faster

Check to see if the monitor will support your video settings
6200 and 6300 Series
(except 6360)
640 x 480 resolution with 16-bit color at 67 Hz or 60 Hz (VGA)
800 x 600 resolution with 8-bit color at 60 Hz or 72 Hz (VGA)
832 x 624 resolution with 8-bit color at 75 Hz (does not support
video input)

Here are the suggested repair options for your problems.
Video
Screen is dark, audio
and at least one drive
operate, fan runs,
and LED is lit
1 Confirm that video connections are secure.
2 Confirm that monitor-out daughterboard connection on the
fan bracket is secure.
3 Reseat logic board.
4 Perform monitor adjustments.
5 Replace monitor.
6 Replace logic board. Retain customer's SIMMs or DIMMs.
7 Replace power supply.
Screen is dark, audio
and drive do not
operate, but fan runs
and LED is lit
1 Reseat logic board.
2 Remove expansion card, if present.
3 Remove peripherals.
4 Replace SIMMs.
5 Replace logic board. Retain customer's SIMMs or DIMMs.
6 Replace power supply.

It would not be cost effective to repair the computer if it is not a reseating problem. Parts are available for some owners in California or Apple service pan subscribers however I do not think apple has support for this old of computer. A quick check of some used parts suppliers showed the parts to be rare with little or no listed stock for the Performa 6200.