Amy Your friend only uses the computer for non video intensive applications, so a 256MB video card would be overkill. A 32 or 64 MB would suit her use unless you can get a better one cheaper on sale. However, you indicate that the video is on-board, yet from your posts, I'm not sure you know that that means that the video is built into the motherboard. If the video is on-board the video connection on the computer will be located amongst the other connections for keyboard, mouse,USB,printer,etc. If the video is a separate card, the video connector will be located separately (a few inches) from the other connectors. Relying upon the video being on-board, the failure to produce a video signal can be caused by two possibilities. Since it was working prior to the current problem, I believe we can rule out someone resetting a jumper on the motherboard. The other possibility is that the motherboard has failed as far as the video and likely in other areas as indicated by the other peculiarities you have mentioned. It means replacing the motherboard and not a video card. If the computer actually has a separate video card, than a replacement would be in order. Does the computer use AGP ( ?X) or PCI? You can contact me at [log in to unmask] for further information rather than continuing this thread. Tom Mayer I have pretty much decided that I will purchase a video card. My question now is: should I go for the 256Mb or a lesser card? My main issue is money...but I also see no point in buying a lesser quality if I will have turn right around and buy another higher quality. The video whatchacallit is onboard, it is NOT a card. My friend's monitor works on my PC, but neither her monitor nor mine will work on her PC. Therefore, I am unable to boot to safe mode, as far as any method of which I am aware. There are no keyboard lights, nor is there ethernet function. There are no beeps. However, ALL the other lights do light as you would expect normally. PLEASE...if there are more ideas, please share! Thanks again! Amy Ledford PCBUILD's List Owners: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>