skip to main content

laptop monitor problem

17 years ago

For some reason, yesterday I closed two small windows open on my desktop and it left a skinny vertical red line, and a skinny vertical blue line about two inches apart, showing on the monitor. So skinny that on white you cannot see it - however on every other color background it shows and is irritating.

I've rebooted a couple of times, changed my wallpaper, don't know what to try next. Any suggestions? Windows XP.

Elaine

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

genes
17 years ago
If possible hook up your laptop to an external desktop monitor and see if the problem persists. If so its probably your graphics chip (GPU)and would necessitate a system board replacment in most cases. What model laptop do you have
Elaine_Canada
Original Author
17 years ago
I'll have to see if I can hook up the laptop to an external monitor - have to take it to my friends to try this.

I have an HP Pavilion zd8000

Elaine
Related Discussions
Laptop monitor is blurry
Q
Comments (11)
Posting this as a follow up just for informational purposes. The problem seemed to be that for some reason there are two video adapters and two monitors (both identical) that show up in the device manager. Why? I have no idea. If I uninstall the "extra" set, they just re-appear. If I simply disable them, they stay disabled and I do not experience the blurry display. I spent months trying to track down the problem as I just had a gut feeling that the problem was not with the LCD display itself- I upgraded drivers, downgraded drivers, etc. I am not sure what made me notice the two entries in the Device Manager, but I think I have solved my problem.
...See More
How to diagnoss a problem w/o a monitor
Q
Comments (17)
The young man who came to the house said everything is running, so he thinks it the video card. Mine is built into the mother board but there is a slot for another one. Don't come back with "that's not right" because I may not be using the right terminology or understanding the process. The part is $95 plus the $85 for the hour, so I am going ahead with it. I don't know any experts except the kind that just came out, so I'm going to take a chance on his diagnosis. Another expert would charge another service call. He made me aware that if he is wrong, the part is not returnable. It's like the old cars, replace the fuel pump, then replace the carb., etc, until you stumble on to the problem. LOL When I first got into pc's, I bought a new one every two years to keep up on technology so never had this kind of problem. I like XP so well I really would like to keep this one. I will update you on this. He said I have a very nice computer he was surprised to see what was inside.
...See More
laptop monitor help, please
Q
Comments (1)
It depends on the laptop. Some have an icon with two little monitors on an f-key. Some use just an f-key and some use the fn key plus another f-key. It depends on the make/model of the laptop. If you have that information post it and someone will do a search to find out. HTH. Terry
...See More
Dell laptop resolution problem
Q
Comments (1)
Sorry, I should have added that any other games we have downloaded onto the laptop computer from computer game sites have worked fine on the default screen setting.
...See More
genes
17 years ago
Do you often open and close the laptop because, sometimes when closed the keyboard keys can sometimes press against the LCD screen and cause pixels in the LCD screen to become stuck. That is why you sometimes see thin foam sheets for laptops for laying on the keyboard when closing them and transporting them. If the external monitor shows the same, then its likely a bad vid chip (GPU)
Elaine_Canada
Original Author
17 years ago
I finally got a chance to hook up to a different monitor as suggested and the lines do NOT show on the other monitor. I was also asked if I often open and close the laptop and the answer is no, since it is a desktop replacement it sits in the same position nearly all the time. Also - without closing the lid - I left the laptop to defrag overnight and this a.m. when I came to the computer - now I have 3 lines....one red, one blue and one yellow - all vertical from top to bottom of the monitor.

Any other suggestions? - Elaine
daylilydayzed
17 years ago
It might be your graphics or video card going bad.
owbist
17 years ago
Elaine take note of the location of the lines then change the screen resolution to see if it is associated with the setting or with the monitor itself.

I suppose it is out of warranty by now.
Elaine_Canada
Original Author
17 years ago
It's definitely out of warranty...it's about 4 yrs. old, but since it's a desktop replacement and not treated roughly - I would think it would last longer than that! I'll try changing the resolution as you say.

Elaine
Elaine_Canada
Original Author
17 years ago
I tried different resolutions and the lines remained in the same exact spots. I sure hope that more don't appear.
Elaine
genes
17 years ago
Yes, I am afraid that your GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) videochip is failing which would necessitate a systemboard replacement

Related Stories

HOME TECH Plug Into Home Power Monitors That Pay for Themselves

Stop throwing away money on wasted electricity with help from new monitors that work with your phone or computer

GREEN BUILDING Meet a High-Tech Home That Monitors Itself

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Energy vampires have nowhere to hide in this LEED Platinum home, as energy efficient as it is architecturally beautiful

FEEL-GOOD HOME Back Problems? Try Putting Your Feet Up

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Consider these alternatives to that one-size-doesn’t-fit-all sofa to avoid slumping and spinal stress

HOME TECH Turn Your Smart Phone Into a Home Security System

Monitor your home a less expensive way by putting your phone and some new gadgets to work

THE HARDWORKING HOME A Hidden Charging Cabinet Corrals and Juices Family’s Electronics

By Becky Harris

The Hardworking Home: Laptops, phones and tablets now have a safe space in this kitchen, keeping the countertops uncluttered

HOME TECH Gadgets Help You Watch Your Health at Home

See the crop of new devices that can monitor your body's vital signs and environment for health, fitness and fun

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Be a Citizen Scientist to Help Wildlife, Learn and Have Fun Too

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Track butterflies, study birds, capture stars ... when you aid monitoring efforts, you’re lending Mother Nature a hand

HOME TECH To Feed and Protect: Care for Your Pet From Afar With New Devices

You might miss the nuzzles, but your dog or cat won't miss food, water or monitoring with these high-tech feeders and cameras

BATHROOM DESIGN Light-Up Mirrors Offer Bright Design Solutions

By By Any Design Ltd.

If you're taking a dim view of a problem bathroom area, try the flash of design brilliance that is the electric mirror

DECORATING GUIDES From Queasy Colors to Killer Tables: Your Worst Decorating Mistakes

Houzzers spill the beans about buying blunders, painting problems and DIY disasters

Sponsored

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1