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Question

HP laptop having issues with ghost lines

Jan 16, 2015 8:51AM PST

Hi, I have had my computer for 6 years with very few problems that I could not solve, however; two days ago my computer started acting weird. There is a bright green screen and red ghost lines around most of the writing and static like images in the tool bars. Does anyone know what the problem can be and how to fix it??? I would greatly appreciate any help. I have tried AVG, Avira, Glary and of course help desks at Microsoft and HP... Nobody so far has a real answer.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
What is a real answer?
Jan 16, 2015 9:32AM PST

I'm bumping into folk that demand the answer be correct without submitting the laptop to a repair center or tech. They often flame out until they figure out that sometimes the only fix is to replace a part or reload the PC.
Bob

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What is a real answer...
Jan 16, 2015 2:30PM PST

Hi Bob,

I am sorry, I was speaking out of frustration. When I spoke to the "help desk" at Microsoft they recommended that I pay $99.00 to have them look at it, which is unaffordable at this time. HP did not give me any real assistance either. I have run every possible program that I have for recognizing malware and viruses so that left me totally frustrated. I remembered that some time back I was able to find help here at Cnet for a different problem and decided I should have thought of this first.

Thank you Bob.

Sincerely,
Cheri

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At 6 years it's possible to have hard failures.
Jan 16, 2015 2:44PM PST

To test it out I slip in a Linux CD/DVD and see if the hardware works. I noted this over a decade ago and it's not as if you have to know Linux or even install it. Get a current version.
http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm

If Linux is OK you can think over if reloading the OS is acceptable.
Bob

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In case the member doesn't know...
Jan 16, 2015 3:30PM PST

...."It's Free"! Knoppix, Ubuntu, Mint, Mageia, Zorin, Solydk, Kubuntu, or if CD only try Lubuntu.

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Answer
make sure
Jan 16, 2015 9:45AM PST

sounds like the cable from motherboard to screen may have a broken wire in it. If you moved the top up and down and watch the screen do you see any action associated changes? You mention red and green but not blue, and color is rendered as red-green-blue.

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Cable from motherboard
Jan 16, 2015 2:42PM PST

Hi James,

I guess it would be better if I explain exactly what I am seeing. Most things are as they should be when it comes to looking at my screen right now, except that as I am writing here there are red (what I call) ghost or shadow effects around what I am typing. Running lengthwise or vertical on my screen is a red line off to the right almost center of the screen and in the tool bar there are static (like on an old t.v.) horizontal lines. It is really strange. When the computer first comes on there is a bright green screen with vertical lines in black in the middle and Microsoft running bar is in black.

It is just one of those crazy things I guess and it is driving me crazy trying to figure it out. When I move the top up and down there is no change.

Thank you so much for you help,

Cheri

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try the linux trick Rob describes
Jan 16, 2015 3:28PM PST

It boots to a fully operational operating system direct from the LIVE DVD. Easy way to determine if it's OS related or hardware.