Hey I need some advice here about parents computer. For some weird reason when you do anything on the left side it will put funky lines on the screen and sometimes at idle the screen will go crazy and display different colors which looks like it would be in 16-bit mode. So purty much some weird stuff is going on with the display. I've already re-installed the drivers, did a BIOS update, and a chipset update and it only temporarily fixed it. Any suggestions? I do have a spare brand new video card that is a lil better, should I try that or could it be something else? I also have it connected through DVI, would changing it to Analog help?
1. Have you tried to overclock it at all?
2. Despite what sites tell you, it's not always a good thing to have the latest drivers. The new drivers cater to the new hardware but sometimes create issues with older hardware.
3. When you did a BIOS update did you check to see if everything was set to the same as before the update?
4. Have you tried an alternative display resolution?
5. Have you tried an alternative monitor?
2. Despite what sites tell you, it's not always a good thing to have the latest drivers. The new drivers cater to the new hardware but sometimes create issues with older hardware.
3. When you did a BIOS update did you check to see if everything was set to the same as before the update?
4. Have you tried an alternative display resolution?
5. Have you tried an alternative monitor?
1. It's my parents computer and haven't even thought of overclocking it since it's used mainly for internet.DoctorFruitloop wrote:
1. Have you tried to overclock it at all?
2. Despite what sites tell you, it's not always a good thing to have the latest drivers. The new drivers cater to the new hardware but sometimes create issues with older hardware.
3. When you did a BIOS update did you check to see if everything was set to the same as before the update?
4. Have you tried an alternative display resolution?
5. Have you tried an alternative monitor?
2. Started before I did the update.
3. Honestly it was the same version BIOS
4. Yes
5. No. It is a Dell Ultra Sharp 19"
Last edited by capt. crunch (2006-10-05 05:30:23)
You might want to try rolling back the drivers to see if that has any affect, although it sounds like a graphics card on it's last legs, or maybe a PSU dying. If you have another GPU try installing that and see what you get.
I just tried the roll back and no difference. I guess it comes down to a different video card! But if not you think it might be the PSU? Well anyway thanx for the advice!DoctorFruitloop wrote:
You might want to try rolling back the drivers to see if that has any affect, although it sounds like a graphics card on it's last legs, or maybe a PSU dying. If you have another GPU try installing that and see what you get.
I'm assuming this PC is out of it's warranty period with Dell? If not, call them before you go replacing stuff.
Not to sure on warranty but I guess I will check just in case.DoctorFruitloop wrote:
I'm assuming this PC is out of it's warranty period with Dell? If not, call them before you go replacing stuff.
Just checked back through your posts cos your name seemed familiar.
1. Do you think any of this could have been a result of the lightning strike you described here?
2. Why the hell are you asking for advice from us idiots when you're taking the A+ Exam in PC Repair?
You should know more about what your problem is than me dude.
1. It's possible I forgot about that!
2. Everyone on here is not an idiot (there are some on here) and just wanted a second opinion.
2. Everyone on here is not an idiot (there are some on here) and just wanted a second opinion.
I was just pointing out that these are things which occurred to me and I don't even know you. This is just rudimentary problem solving you should have already run through yourself.
Well I honestly forgot all about the lightning strike.DoctorFruitloop wrote:
I was just pointing out that these are things which occurred to me and I don't even know you. This is just rudimentary problem solving you should have already run through yourself.
It is possible that the lightning strike has damaged a component or stressed a component and shortened it's lifespan. With it being graphics related it could be anything in the chain from processor through to display. Honest opinion, since you have an alternative graphics card I would try that first.
If that doesn't work then you might try googling for some diagnostic tools such as Memtest, etc or ask the wealth of knowledge here.
Alternatively you could back everything up and reinstall your OS to see if it's software related. When you say you do anything on the left side do you mean when you move your mouse there? Is this within BF2 or just in windows?
Just a few things for you to think on.
If that doesn't work then you might try googling for some diagnostic tools such as Memtest, etc or ask the wealth of knowledge here.
Alternatively you could back everything up and reinstall your OS to see if it's software related. When you say you do anything on the left side do you mean when you move your mouse there? Is this within BF2 or just in windows?
Just a few things for you to think on.
Well I do believe myself it is the videocard (I HOPE) which I will try replacing but it happens in windows and when I dragged an icon around on the left side thats when the lines show up. Thanx for your suggestions!DoctorFruitloop wrote:
It is possible that the lightning strike has damaged a component or stressed a component and shortened it's lifespan. With it being graphics related it could be anything in the chain from processor through to display. Honest opinion, since you have an alternative graphics card I would try that first.
If that doesn't work then you might try googling for some diagnostic tools such as Memtest, etc or ask the wealth of knowledge here.
Alternatively you could back everything up and reinstall your OS to see if it's software related. When you say you do anything on the left side do you mean when you move your mouse there? Is this within BF2 or just in windows?
Just a few things for you to think on.
Your welcome for the suggestions and best of luck sorting out your problems.
Ohhh this is too funny. I went to un-hook the equip and the connection was loose. My Dad was trying to fix it himself. LoL. Thanx anyway!
Clueless parents FTL