Computer Monitor is dim

Mzsouthpole9, Yes, this sounds exactly like a SWITCH-MODE-POWER-SUPPLY problem, and/or INVERTER circuit problem. I have lucked out and repaired 3 lcd/fpd monitors with very similar/same complaint. Now here is what you are dealing with. Have you seen the new energy saving 'curlie-Q' screw-in Compact-Fluorescent light bulbs? Your lcd monitor needs white light to light-up all the pretty colors in the LCD panel. You are lucky. The SMPS in your unit is at least for now, supplying voltage to the digital processor board in your monitor. That's y u see an image on the screen. Because your Cold-Cathode-Fluorescent tubes (2ea) are not lighting-up, you now see what you see. this most likely is a SMPS failing to source voltage to the Inverter circuit which takes 12-20v dc and changes it to 800-1500v ac to light the thin, straight, horizontal (left to right) CCF TUBES. Here are your options as a consumer. Call viewsonic, see if they have a swapout program. You send them your's+$50-$90, and they send you a refurbished same model in return. Or try to find local TV/Monitor repair shop that knows forwards and backwards everything about CCF tubes and SMPS/INVERTER repair. Last thing is try to repair it yourself. Whatever you decide to do, please drop an email to me. I'm louie12fix on fixya or lmistyrel@ aol.com. Hope this info was of some help. PS Put LCD/FPD in safe place to prevent damage to the most costly part. the LCD panel!!!!