Syncmaster 181T periodically shuts down

maybe it is getting too hot? check to make sure that it has air flow around the monitor and that the vent holes are not blocked by curtains, desk, anything that could cause it not to get any cool air to the back of it.

Hi,
To unlock your monitor, Press and hold the Menu button for 5 - 10 sec. and the OSD menu should be released.  Hope this solves your problem. Thanks.

It could be your graphics card not your monitor......If the graphics card gets hot they start doing all kinds of odd things, including shutting down

http://www.samsung.com/it/function/search/resultList.do?searchWord=540n

Check for bad caps, see example here: http://s807.photobucket.com/albums/yy352/budm/Samsung%20203B/

If you know to electronics, open it and look for cold solder joints in the horizontal and vertical transistors. apply fresh solder and ready for two more years.

If you have had it less than three years, it is under warranty. Call Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864) between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM seven days a week to begin the service process. Have the model number and serial number of your monitor on hand when you call. Even if it's out of warranty, they will get you in touch with a service location near you.

The official word from Samsung is: "Backlights are not replaceable by consumers." So you may have some trouble finding one. Alternatively, armed with your model and serial number, you may be able to get the part from one of the authorized service vendors. Even the most prolific of parts retailers don't seem to carry a backlight for the 181T

1. check tha VGA cable is properly connected into the computer
2. possibly CRT board dry solder. you can touch up the solder joint

Use AGP CARD

This may be part of the OSD (on-screen display). If you don't have your manual you can download it here: http://tinyurl.com/yzerbd I would check the manual.