How can I get my display screen to work before taking pictures?

Your camera is working exactly as SLRs have worked for the first half-century since their invention. You frame the picture through the viewfinder then take the shot. The display is for menu settings and reviewing pictures after they've been taken. Newer DSLRs will let you use the display for picture-taking (and take videos) but the A200 belongs to the previous generation.

This is not the fault with remote control.

Think that you might have accidentally pressed the DISP or DISPLAY button on the back of your camera. This manually turns the LCD display on and off to save batteries. You would then use the optical viewfinder in its place. To turn the screen back on, just press the DISP button one more time.

I have 2 xelim camaras. One of which has a piece of some type of cover partially obstructing the view. This camara still displays the time and menus and older pictures. If I take pix now the picture is obscured. The other camara has no picture on the display but when I take a picture it turns out just fine. That camara will need disassembled and a connector hooked back up

Most screens on digital camaras are for aiming the camara and output (displaying the picture) therefore any problems with the screen do not translate to a picture.

I just had a similar problem. I am not sure how it was fixed, but it works again - at least for now.

I had the camera on and was taking pictures when the screen went dark. Same as you describe, it takes pictures, flash works, LED, works, everything but the display. I plugged it into my computer with the USB adapter to see if I can salvage what is on the card and the diplay lights up. Tried several variations, but when the cable is connected to the computer (didn't have to be connected to the computer) the screen worked. Unplug, no display. I spun the settings button a couple of times. I accidentally took a couple of short videos and pictures that I deleted. I unplugged the camera and powered down again (tried that before). Power up and the screen is fine.

Again I have no idea what fixed it or why the display worked with the cable plugged in. It might have been related to the videos or some setting that I had slipped into (thought the display button never worked or changed anything).

Hopefully something in there helps or someone can explain what I did.

Did you accidentally press the DISP or DISPLAY button on the back of your camera? This button manually turns the LCD display on and off to save batteries. Pictures will still appear momentarily when shot.

Did you accidentally press the DISP or DISPLAY button on back (it turns the screen off to save batteries). If so, press this button again to turn your LCD screen back on.

I have a sony cybershot DSC-S650, the LCD was very dark and could not see anything except if I pointed it at a bright object, everything else worked ok. I could take pictures but could barely see them in playback as well.

I took it to Sony authorised repair outlet and was told the CCD was damaged, they charged me USD $55 to repair it (in Quito, Ecuador)

My i85 camera's lcd no longer displays what you are looking at. Just a black screen. All the menu items are there and working. It can also take pictures and you can browse them....

CCD malfunction, common with Sony manufactured CCD chips. You are in luck, its a free repair regardless of warranty date.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=SupportDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=223&modelid=8044#