Screen goes blank when first turned on, have to keep restarting m

Well, at least you got it sorted out and everything is working fine now.

your monitor probably got some bad capacitor.. you will need to open up and replace the faulty component...

You may have to open it up and look for bad soderling works, see my pictures to see what bad solderign joints look like. Also check fuses, connectors, etc.
See what goes wrong with Dell monitors here:
http://s807.photobucket.com/home/budm/allalbums
I assumed that it does the same with other PC also.

this can be a bad cap in the power supply

It basically goes to Power Save Mode. Check for the same error in System Setup screen, if the Monitor goes off in System Setup then you better need a replacement. Else you would need to reseat the Video Card(If any) and the Memory Modules. Please keep posting for any further issues / improvements.

If your Dell monitor still under into warranty, better to call Dell technical support and have them replace your monitor coz there is no way you can fix on it.

If the monitor is beyond with the warranty already, better to but a new one than taking it repair that will cost you much.

Thank you.

check the power swhich or the power cord.... if not need to open that and check the power dc connector.

First you'll have to power off the system.
Please power on the system and as soon as you see the Dell logo please tap the F2 button 3 - 4 times.
The computer will go to the system setup. Check if the screen goes blank here.
If the screen stays on then try this.
1. Please power off the system.
2. Please power on the system and as soon as you see the Dell logo please tap the F8 button 3 - 4 times. You'll reach the Windows Advanced Boot Options Menu on the screen.
3.Select Safe mode with Networking.
4. Select Administrator at the log in screen.
5. Warning dialog box with the message Windows is running in safe mode. appears. Click the Yes button.
6. The desktop appears with the words Safe Mode appearing in all four corners.
7. Uninstall the video drivers and restart the computer.
8. Resintall the video drivers.

Rate if useful.

Video cards that can handle two monitors at the same time have cables with two plugs on the monitor end.

If your video cable has two plugs on the monitor end, try the other plug.

There may be problem of heating the inside components. see him to expert.