My ACER 9805WKHI had video err0 (vga card problem)

Your mobo takes only AGP8X video cards, which are becoming obsolete as PCI-E is the latest slot type. Go to sites like NewEgg and search for "AGP video cards".
Then go to the link below to see if your choice is a good value for the performance level. Videobenchmarks.net


Price Performance

Horizontal lines going down the screen, generally indicate a problem with the Video Cable, or screen Inverter.

The Acer Aspire uses a screen Inverter, because the Backlight is a CCFL. (One)

Primer before I go on;
An LCD screen cannot produce light. It needs an additional light source.
A Backlight is the additional light source.

A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

As stated previously; the Aspire 9805wkhi Notebook PC, uses a single CCFL for a Backlight.

http://www.screentekinc.com/Acer_Aspire_9800_Series_9805WKHi--20.1-inch--1680x1050-wsxgaplus-laptop-lcd-screen.shtml

http://www.laptop-power.co.uk/laptop-screens/acer/aspire/series-9800/model-9805wkhi.html

http://www.screenaid.com/acer-aspire-9805wkhi-laptop-lcd-screen-17-wxga-glossy-ccfl-backlight-p-8646.html

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.

Basic example of a CCFL,

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

View the last 8 photos.

A screen Inverter is used to convert the power (Electricity), from the laptop; for the LCD screen, and Backlight.
Note* Laptops that use a series of LED's for a Backlight, do not use a screen Inverter.

Primer over.
A) An external display device, such as a VGA monitor for example; should be connected to the laptop ->First; to make sure the graphics chipset is OK.

I believe it is OK, but this is a diagnostic flowchart, and the graphics chipset HAS to be eliminated as the problem; Before going on.

Laptop OFF, monitor OFF, connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, on the laptop.

The VGA port is right in the middle, on the back of the laptop. Here is an example of a VGA port,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_Connector

(Scroll down for example of VGA Cable)
You can use a CRT type of monitor (Looks like a small TV), or a flat LCD screen monitor if it has a VGA cable.

With this laptop you can also plug a DVI connector, from a flat LCD screen monitor (Usual connector for digital flat screen), and use it instead. It's the white(?) port right next to the VGA port. (Closer to Left side, than VGA port)
Example of a DVI port, and DVI cable,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Turn the monitor on. If a CRT type allow it to warm up.
Turn the laptop on.

There are at least 3 display options;
1) Internal monitor of laptop ONLY
2) Internal monitor of laptop AND external display device
3) External display device ONLY

Press the Fn key, hold it down; and tap once on the F5 key.
(The F5 key is the Display Toggle-Over key)
Still no graphics on external display device?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the F5 key.

Good graphics on external monitor = Go on.
Bad graphics on external monitor = Problem with the mounting of the graphics chipset; to motherboard. Or bad graphics chipset. (Not very common)

B) Video Cable:
The Video Cable connects to the motherboard, up under the Keyboard. (And Top Cover's metal Static Shield) From there it routes up under the left Hinge, and up into the Display Assembly.

The main part of the Video Cable, then connects to the back of the LCD screen. There is also a separate cable coming from the Video Cable, that connects to one side of the screen Inverter.

The thin plastic 'frame' in front of the LCD screen, is the Display Bezel.
The screen Inverter is a small long circuit board; located behind the Display Bezel, and mounted down towards the bottom of the Screen Frame.
Basic example,

http://www.amazon.com/Inverter-Aspire-6930G-8920G-8930G/dp/B005GCD446

{The LCD screen is an assembly. It is composed of layers held in a specific pattern, by the Screen Frame. A thin metal 'picture frame', if you will.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Optical/Systems/BehindTheScenes/Optics101/

Click on the monitor icon }

Due to just normal repeated opening, and closing of the laptop; the Video Cable can become pinched, then pulled on.
This can lead to a loose connection at the motherboard side; and/or back of LCD screen. (Also check screen Inverter connection)

Can also cause damage to the tiny wires inside the Video Cable.
(Stretched/Broken)
If there is obvious signs of damage to the sheath of the Video cable, there may be damage to the tiny wires inside.

To add; with age the insulation of the tiny wires inside the Video Cable, can deteriorate.
This can lead to exposed wires inside the sheath of the Video Cable, and lead to their touching each other.

It is best to perform a continuity check, with a multimeter set to OHM's. (1K)
Check each wire. Also have an assistant gently wiggle the Video Cable, as you check it. (Fluctuation of reading of multimeter, indicates a broken wire)
If you do not have access to a multimeter, perhaps take the cable down to the nearest small computer repair shop; and see if they will run a continuity test for you. (Few bucks)

The Video Cable's condition, and connections; HAVE to be checked before going on.
You MUST rule the Video Cable out as the problem.


Problem here is there is no Service Manual; nor guides in how to disassemble, that I have found; nor has one come into the shop.
(Made in what? 2006? Hmmm?)

Looking at the reviews of it, to see what it looks like; the laptop looks to be the type of model that the Keyboard is removed, then the Top Cover (Upper Case); THEN access to the motherboard side of the Video Cable, can be gained.

Fun stuff, huh?

ALL power is removed. Remove the AC adapter (Charger), and Battery.
Use a multi-compartment container for the various screws you will remove. Label each compartment for the area the screw/s come out of.
SOME screws look VERY similar to other screws.
Advise DO NOT mix them up.

Basically follow what this gentleman is doing. Screw locations may not be the same for the inside area on the bottom; but will have screws that go around the perimeter of the Base Enclosure.
(Bottom Cover)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k-FnZze3c0

Also on yours, look down in the Battery Compartment for screws to remove, and when the DVD drive is removed, see if any screws are along the 'lip'. The outside edge of the laptop; where the outside edge of the DVD drive was.
(Going from bottom view towards the Top Cover, there may be screws in that 'lip')

Look along the compartment opening edges, too. (Along the lines of the one's he found )
Ram Memory compartment, etc.

The Keyboard has Tabs on the bottom edge. The edge that faces you, not LCD screen side.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-9805WKHI-Replacement-Keyboard/dp/B006T0V8VA

(Click on photo to enlarge)
When the Keyboard is removed, it is slightly tilted up on the LCD screen side; and then moved forward a little. (LCD screen side)
If you lift the Keyboard straight up, you may break the Keyboard tabs, and/or Top Cover.

The top of the Keyboard has Detents.
May be 3 to 4. (Maybe 5)
The Detents are small (Very) rectangular shaped, and right above the Keyboard. Once depressed with a flat tipped Jeweler's screwdriver, the Keyboard can be slightly lifted in that area. (LCD screen side)
Then go to the next one, and slightly lift the Keyboard, and so on.

The Keyboard Cable STAYS attached to the Keyboard. It has NO connector on the motherboard end. (No plug connector)
It is a Flat Flex Cable.

After all screws are removed, the Top Cover pops loose.
The Top Cover has Tabs, and the Base Enclosure (Bottom Cover), has matching Latches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AxVE6__kEY

You have to PHYSICALLY check the motherboard connection side of the Video Cable, AND LCD screen side. Visual inspection will NOT do.

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/replace-screen-on-acer-aspire-5830tg-6782-laptop/

Look for screw covers going around the perimeter, of the Display Bezel. These are usually plastic, or synthetic rubber. I just gently pry up on one side of the cover, and then pry it up, and off.

The screw covers are attached with a type of rubber cement.
If carefully pried off, the screw cover, and it's glue may be reused.
[ Most of the time. I stick them (L-I-G-H-T-L-Y) to the Display Bezel, for safekeeping ]

Now remove the Philips head screws.
The Display Bezel is gently pried off, by flexing one side; and sliding your fingertips under it.
(On LCD screen side. I wear computer gloves. You may wish to cut a cereal box, or similar cardboard; to fit the inside edges of the Display Bezel; and protect the LCD screen from your fingernails )

Work along heading towards the Top, and around.
Once the Display Bezel has popped about halfway, or more off; the Display Bezel should come the rest of the way off all at once.

Remove the screws which hold the LCD screen to Display Cover.
Tilt the top of the LCD screen towards you; so you can access the Video Cable connection; to LCD screen.

Continuity check reveals the Video cable to be OK? Connections were tight?
Replace the screen Inverter.

Testing a screen Inverter = using a Sensitive multimeter.
Read fairly expensive,

http://www.fonerbooks.com/test.htm

Due to this; the low cost, and ease of access to replace; the screen Inverter is usually just replaced. Have to work with what you've got.

Screen Inverter replacement doesn't do the trick; replace the LCD screen.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

Once the Video card is inserted the motherboard, it automatically selects the video card and at the BIOS settings just select the one with an AGP selection, then boot up the computer. Install the driver that comes with the video card. It might also ask you to restart... just select Ok then its done.

You can check by yourself if the problem is brought by a video card. Disconnect your present video card from the motherboard. It is the hardware where vga cable from the monitor is connected to on the back of your computer. Replace it with your back up video card. (a pci or agp graphics card will do) connect the vga cable and restart your computer. If you don't have a back up video card, find in the computer a built in video card, enable this on the cmos'bios setup) connect the vga cable thru this and turn on your computer. If the lines went out then it is the video card that needs replacement. If the lines still occur despite the procedure, I suggest you bring your unit to a credible technician unless you have the skills to open your lcd monitor and find the problem in it by yourself.

I had this problem once. Turned out to be the VGA plug connecting to the computer. Make sure this is inserted at the computer properly. Wiggle the plug and see if that effects the monitor display. If it does, then replace the VGA lead. Also check that your video card is inserted properly and go into the BIOS on your computer and make sure that the onboard Video chip is disabled (if your motherboard has one). If all this doesnt correct the fault, try uninstalling and installing the video driver again. If you are still having problems you may have a faulty video card.

If the VGA card is not integrated you can replace and see.
Normally we experience this type of error with faulty VGA card

Regards
Uttam

IT doesnt matter. If the Video Card is built into the Motherboard and has failed; you can get NEW Card that can plug into an Expansion Port on *********** board

Make sure your motherboard is compatible with the NEW video card. For example, PCI Express video cards won't work with motherboards designed only for AGP or PCI video cards, and vice versa. Tigerdirect.com has a good selection. Call their Customer Service Tech; they have great prices, sales and knowlegable Customre Service Tech to Check if it is the right Type of Card. Its probably PCI but check anyway.

Simply shut down unplug and open the computer side panel and go to the back of the Machine. If there is a separate Card (it will be obvious as it has a VGA port) Remove it and just install your new card in its place and plug in your Monitor to the new VGA port. If not then just POP OUT A FREE SLOT in the back of your Computer next to the Plug In Port so the VGA port that the monitor plugs into stick out the back and plug in your Monitor.

Close , plug in and INSTALL THE SOFTWARE THAT COMES WITH THE VIDEO CARD. Set all settings to DEFAULT or be creative :)

Cheers !

If it was just the hard drive, I would expect the video to come on and say something like "no boot device."
However, since you went through the steps here and see absolutely no video (even none on an external monitor), I would suspect a motherboard failure.
Be sure that when you hooked up an external monitor that you pushed the Fn key and the appropriate special function key (maybe F7) that switches between the laptop and external monitor. If you have done that (pushed the combination several times to switch displays), then you can be pretty certain your video card (if a separate card) may be bad.
I'm not really sure if this machine has a separate video card. The specs say it's a ATI Radeon Xpress 1100. This leads me to believe it may be a separate card.
If it's just the card that went bad, you can replace it. Otherwise, the motherboard will have to be replaced.
Good luck. You can do that, but if you're not confident, you best take the machine to a repair shop.

The most common beeps that you will encounter 95% of the time in repairing PC's are:

1 beep - computer ok
continous beeps / long beeps - memory error
continous short beeps - bios boot block/corrupted bios
1 long beep followed by 3 short beeps - video card error


or this might help

you can check out this list



AMI BIOS

1 short - Computer ok
2 short - RAM failure
3 short - Parity RAM failure
4 short - System timer failure
5 short - Motherboard failure
6 short - Keyboard controller error
7 short - CPU failure
8 short - Video RAM failure
9 short - ROM BIOS error
10 short - CMOS read/write error
11 short - Cache RAM error
1 short, 3 long - Memory failure
1 short, 8 long - Video adapter failure

Check board/chipset makers website for more infomation.

AWARD BIOS

1 long - Memory error
1 long, 2 short - Video error
1 long, 3 short - Video failure
Continuous beeps - Memory or video failure

note that AWARD relies on motherboard manufacturers to develop their own beep codes - the above are only their own internal codes. You will need to refer to your own manual for an explanation of precise codes.


Standard IBM beep codes.

No beep - Power supply or motherboard failure
1 short - System is ok
2 short - POST error (code displayed on screen)
Repeating short - Motherboard failure
1 long, 1 short - Motherboard failure
1 long, 2 short - Video display adapter failure
1 long, 3 short - Video display adapter error
3 long - Keyboard error


Pheonix beep codes

1-1-3 CMOS memory failure
1-1-4 BIOS failure
1-2-1 System timer error
1-2-2 Motherboard error
1-2-3 Motherboard error
1-3-1 Motherboard error
1-4-1 Motherboard error
1-4-2 Memory error
2-x-x Memory failure (any number of other beeps)
3-1-x Chipset error (any number of other beeps)
3-2-4 Keyboard controller error
3-3-4 Video adapter failure
4-2-4 Expansion card failure
4-3-4 Time of day clock failure
4-4-1 Serial port error
4-4-2 Parallel port error
4-4-3 Math co-processor error
the vga board has failed, its a very common problem in acer laptops, you can get a replacement part from www.acerparts.com im not sure if they ship into us but for europe thats where I get my parts.
my acers vga failed two times, ones within warranty and 12months after that, I have to say that acer products are really bad quality, I'm not sure about the latest models but from what I've seen the vga chipsets have real issues with the motherboards and keep failing over and over again.

I have not looked inside your model but the vga is either integrated into the motherboard = that means the repair will cost the whole motherboard, better to buy a new one.

if your model has a removeable vga like mine does, then you can consider changeing it to a new one. contact acer parts.
One of the covers in the bottom is the memory, one is network and last one I don't remember.
here are the contact details if your acer is out of warranty
http://www.acerparts.com/contact_us.php

The parts for your model are at http://www.acerparts.com/index.php?cPath=561_562_1064
you will have to contact acer parts directly, it may be that the vga is build into the motherboard or then the vga parts are not listed.


Hope this may help;


Regards,
VOTIT


DON'T FORGET TO RATE;

Could be one of three things.
1. Try replacing the VGA/Digital Monitor cord
2. Try a different monitor

If these offer the same results, then you need a new video card. If the video is "on the motherboard" the whole motherboard will need to be replaced, UNLESS, you just buy a new video card, depending on the model/design of your motherboard, it could a PCI-E, PCI, or an AGP (these are types of video cards)