Monitor fell and broke and now I can’t get computer to work even with new monitors

Troubleshooting a Broken Monitor and Its Impact on Your PC Setup: A Guide to Resolving Dual Monitor Display Issues

Experiencing technical difficulties with your computer setup can be frustrating, especially when hardware mishaps impact your workflow. Recently, I encountered an issue involving a damaged monitor that affected my dual monitor gaming PC setup. Although I initially thought the problem was solely hardware-related, further investigation revealed some underlying configuration and compatibility considerations. Here’s a detailed account of my experience and insights that might help others facing similar challenges.

The Incident: Accidental Damage to a Monitor

While rearranging my workspace, I unintentionally knocked over one of my monitors. It’s worth noting that my PC features a dual monitor gaming setup, with both monitors positioned side by side. Thankfully, the computer tower and the other monitor remained undisturbed and functional. The fallen monitor suffered apparent physical damage, but I initially believed the remaining components were unaffected.

Initial Troubleshooting: Using a Single Monitor

After the incident, I disconnected the broken monitor and attempted to operate my PC using only the remaining functional display. However, upon startup, the computer displayed a “Diagnosing your PC” screen, ultimately leading to a message indicating it couldn’t repair the system. This raised questions about the potential impact of the hardware incident on the system’s operation.

Assessing Hardware Damage vs. Software/System Issues

Given that the undamaged monitor and the tower did not fall or appear physically compromised, I suspected the problem might lie elsewhere—possibly related to settings, drivers, or configurations rather than physical damage. To resolve the issue, I ordered two new monitors, consulting with a professional who advised that repairing the broken monitor might not be cost-effective.

Integrating New Monitors: Challenges and Questions

Upon receiving and connecting the new monitors, I faced a series of hurdles:

The new monitors do not display anything unless the old (still functioning) monitor remains connected. When disconnected, the screens remain blank, and the same error message persists.
The new monitors have different input options—they each feature a single HDMI port, whereas my PC’s motherboard only offers one HDMI output.

This setup raises critical questions:

Can I connect both monitors using HDMI-to-DisplayPort or HDMI-to-Display adapters, ensuring both function independently without mirroring?
Are there configuration settings or driver updates needed to recognize multiple monitors with differing input types?

Potential Solutions and Recommendations