I don't think this is a hardware problem. It started a few weeks ago.

* I have a Dell Inspiron, three years old. Running Windows XP 2002.

After exactly one minute, if I don't press any keys (including trackpad), the monitor goes off until I do something. It doesn't go to standby, just turns off the monitor.

It happens the same whether it's plugged in or not, but I think it started when it was running on battery. It must be related to the power scheme, but the one I use (pretty much always, although I do tinker with it occasionally), has "turn off monitor" after 15 mins (plugged in) and 5 mins (battery). So I'm not a total idiot. I've run the computer on "never" and "never," but it does the same thing.

It's not the end of the world, because as long as I'm working, the screen stays on. But it's annoying as heck when I'm watching a movie. Any thoughts?

Hello Thequat, Welcome to PCHF!

We have a fantastic staff of techs here who I am sure will be able to help you.

Since this is a notebook. I'd say that there may be settings in the BIOS that turn off the notebook monitor after a short period of inactivity, that might be worth checking.

If not, do post back and I am sure we will be able to find a solution for you

Best regards,

Smokeycheech