If Windows 7 only displays a black screen after returning from hibernation or sleep, there are several things that could be causing this problem. The cause could be improper hardware configuration, video drivers that are not updated, or computer BIOS settings that are not optimal. If this black screen doesn't go away after a few seconds, you'll need to restart your computer to change some settings to prevent this problem from happening again in the future.
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Method 1 of 3: Troubleshooting CPU Fan-Related Problems
Step 1. Restart or shut down the computer
If the computer is currently on, but the screen doesn't show anything, press and hold the power button for a few seconds to turn it off. If the computer won't turn off, unplug the cable from the power source (desktop computer), or remove the battery from the laptop. Restart the computer to reboot.
Step 2. Open Settings in BIOS
The computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) can be used to change computer settings, including the CPU (Central Processing Unit) fan rotation speed. When the computer boots, press a function key, such as F2, F8 or F10 (depending on the computer manufacturer) to enter the Setup menu.
- If you have a factory-built (non-assembled) computer, look in the user manual for how to enter the BIOS Setup screen.
- The function keys that must be pressed to display the BIOS are usually also displayed on the screen when the computer is starting up.
- Try pressing the button repeatedly while the computer boots to activate the menu.
Step 3. Check CPU fan speed
When the computer screen displays the BIOS setup menu, look for the list of CPU fan speeds by browsing ''Hardware Monitor'' using the arrow keys on the keyboard, then pressing Enter. The BIOS may display a warning if the fan speed is too slow. If the BIOS is not give a warning, see what the CPU fan speed is. Make sure the BIOS is set to change the fan speed automatically.
BIOS settings on each motherboard (motherboard) will be different. So, check your computer's manual or motherboard to find out where to set it up
Step 4. Change CPU Fan Speed
In the Hardware Monitor section, browse to the CPU fan settings using the arrow keys. Press Enter, then use the arrow keys to change the setting to automatic or optimal, then press Enter again.
- Find out the recommended fan settings by looking at the user manual for your motherboard or computer.
- If the CPU fan speed is running normally and is set according to the instructions in the user guide, the problem may be with the graphics driver.
Step 5. Download and install the fan controller program
You can also control fan speed outside the BIOS with a third-party program such as SpeedFan if your computer supports this program.
- To determine whether the computer is compatible with the fan controller program or not, check for compatibility on the computer manufacturer's website.
- You may not be able to use the program in Windows because the computer's BIOS refuses to provide any additional settings.
- If you are using a factory-made computer, check the manual or the support page on the manufacturer's website to see if there is a program installed specifically for controlling the fan.
Step 6. Repair or replace the CPU fan in the computer
If the fan is faulty or spinning too slowly for the recommended speed, you may need to clean, repair, or replace it.
You can try overclocking the CPU from within the BIOS to increase the fan speed. However, this action can cause the CPU to deteriorate quickly and shorten the life of the fan
Method 2 of 3: Installing System BIOS and Graphics Driver Updates
Step 1. Update the graphics driver or system BIOS
Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed as this might solve the problem. The BIOS may struggle to communicate with Windows so that the system is unable to return after going into hibernation or sleep. Check the website of the manufacturer of the computer, motherboard, and video card to see if an update is available.
- It's also possible that a recent update to the graphics driver or BIOS caused problems that required you to revert to a previous update or set the computer not to update. Check the computer or device manufacturer's website for important updates and how to revert to a previous driver or BIOS update.
- Windows 7 allows you to revert to a previous version of your hardware drive by opening Control Panel from the Start menu. Open or search for " Device Manager " to open a new window containing the various drivers associated with each device. In this window, find and open "Display adapters" from the list, then right-click the video card device to bring up a menu, then click "Properties". In the new window, click the " Driver " tab, then click the " Roll Back Driver " button.
Step 2. Restart or shut down the computer
This is to ensure that the newly installed update works properly. If the problem doesn't go away, continue with following the guide to enable diagnostic mode in Windows 7.
If the computer still cannot display the image after returning from sleep or hibernation mode, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. Next, unplug the cable leading to the power source (for desktop computers), or remove the battery (on laptops) to turn off the computer completely
Step 3. Turn on the computer and boot Windows 7 into safe mode
This allows you to start Windows into diagnostic mode to identify errors (errors) that occur on the computer. When Windows 7 reboots, press the function key (either F8 or F10). Consult the computer manual for the function keys to press to access the Windows Accessibility menu. In this menu, select safe mode with the arrow keys, then press Enter.
Step 4. Go to the desktop and put the computer into sleep or hibernation mode
If the computer has displayed the desktop screen in safe mode, initiate sleep or hibernation mode.
- If you are using a laptop, you can enter hibernation mode by closing the monitor screen if the setting for this is enabled.
- For laptops and desktops, you can use the Start menu and select "Sleep" or "Hibernate". Leave the computer for 2 or 3 minutes.
Step 5. Restart the computer from Sleep or Hibernate mode
If the desktop is running normally again and the graphics drivers have been updated, the problem may be due to a lack of RAM resources or an error installing the Windows 7 operating system.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting RAM Problems on Computer
Step 1. Close all programs that are using a lot of RAM
Programs that use a lot of RAM or drain memory can make it difficult for Windows to return from hibernation. Right-click the Start bar, then select " Task Manager " and take a look at the currently running programs (such as Firefox) so you can see what programs you can close to free up more RAM.
Step 2. Check the physical RAM usage
Make sure the page file size (a kind of virtual RAM to store temporary data) is bigger than physical RAM. Windows will use the hard drive to cache RAM to run applications if the RAM usage on the computer has exceeded the limit. If an application is consuming a lot of RAM when the computer returns from sleep or hibernation, Windows may lack the resources to return to the desktop. Open the Start menu (usually in the lower left corner), right-click "My Computer", then select "Properties".
Step 3. Open Advanced system settings
In the left column of the new window, select "Advanced system settings".
Step 4. Open Performance settings
Select the "Advanced" tab, then under the "Performance" section, select "Settings".
Step 5. Change Virtual Memory settings
In the new window, select the "Advanced" tab. Next, click "Change" to open a new window.
Step 6. Set the page file size
Select your computer's hard disk (we recommend using the primary hard drive or the one used to store Windows files), then select " Custom Size " and set the size to match the number shown in the " Recommended " value at the bottom of the window. Next, return to the previous window by clicking "OK". Click "Apply", then "OK" to save your changes.
