Help! My Computer Won't Output Video After Installing an M.2 Drive

January 6, 2026 3 answers
Asked by TechyNinja42
I recently tried installing an M.2 SSD in my Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF, and now my computer isn't outputting any video. I can tell it's booting into Windows since it plays a jingle, but I can't see anything on the monitor. I've already reseated the cables and even reset the BIOS by removing the battery and holding the power button, but nothing seems to work. Any ideas on what might be wrong?

Answers

GamerGuy27
First off, try removing the M.2 drive to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes, just reinstalling the hardware might create a brief glitch leading to no video output.
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TroubleshootMaster89
Have you checked if you accidentally plugged the M.2 SSD into the Optane slot instead? That might confuse the system. Also, ensure you're connecting your monitor to the correct video output. Some models have both onboard and discrete GPU options, so it's easy to plug into the wrong one.
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FixitFelix14
Make sure you discharged everything by holding down the power button before fiddling inside the case. After that, double-check all cable connections, especially at the back of your monitor, since they can get loose. If you didn't discharge properly, thereโ€™s a chance you could have damaged the GPU or the ports.
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