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General discussion

Monitor going out ????

Jun 16, 2004 10:27AM PDT

Hi, just in the last 2 days, when i happend to walk by my computer, i noticed that my monitor has shadows, or grey lines running across the screen on each side from anything that is there...ie icons, open pgm box, any text, the outline of a drop down box.........just about anything.

Is this a sign that my monitor is going out on me? Does anyone know?

Discussion is locked

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Jun 16, 2004 10:44AM PDT

One positive way to check is to try a different monitorHappy Have one you can try?? perhaps a friends??

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Jun 16, 2004 11:01AM PDT

Try this. Check the connections to the PC and monitor are snug. No need to "tighten", just two light fingers will do.

After that, test on another computer...

Bob

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Aug 25, 2004 10:50PM PDT

Just wondering if you got any response to your monitor problem?? I am having the same exact problem. My monitor is fine when I hook other computers up to it.
Just wondering if you got yours resolved and if so, what did you do?
I will keep searching for answers. If I find out, I will let you know.
Thanks,
Cindy

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Aug 26, 2004 8:04AM PDT

Cindy, in your case, since your monitor "works fine" on other computers two questions need answers.

Did you (#1) leave it on these other computers long enough for it to warm up to it's normal operating temperature?
And did you (#2) use the exact same settings on both computers?

If yes to both, then the monitor is probably ok, and the video card is suspect. There is a faint possibility of a grounding issue between monitor and PC if they are plugged into different AC sources, or if the power cord to either has an "open" on the ground wire.

However, a No to #1 means you didn't eliminate the possibility of your monitor having a heat problem (bad monitor).

And a No to #2 could mean that the stored set of adjustments for that particular density/frequency combination are incorrect. Each pixel density/refresh frequency pair has a unique set of adjustments stored in memory inside the monitor. Unless you used exactly the same settings on both computers, your "test" is suspect.

If they were the same, suspect the video card, if not, retest at the same settings, or use the settings that worked on the "other" computer on your computer, and if that works, and satisfies your needs, know that the monitor is on it's way out, but that you may be able to get more life out of it before it finally dies.

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Aug 27, 2004 3:04AM PDT

Yes, I left the pc on long enough to warm up.
As for using the same settings, yes I did use the same settings.............for the most part that is. Different video card has different settings somewhat.
I was going to try another video card in the pc to see what that does. Hopefully I can borrow one from somewhere. I will let you know.
I ran through and re-set up the video card. I manually installed the driver, but let the pc detect it and install the driver for it. Still a no go.
At least I know it's not the monitor itself going bad.

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Did you try using a different refresh rate???
Aug 27, 2004 5:19AM PDT

And use the drivers for that monitor??

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"In Addition"
Aug 28, 2004 2:51AM PDT

Sometimes a connector will form oxide on its coating that will cause a shift in the signals output by the video card, since this is very high frequency signals. This oxide needs to be cleaned or rubbed off. Soaking the plug in Isopropal alcohol and scrubbing the pins with a small brush "Old Toothbrush?) will do wonders. Let the plug air dry throughly. Since you said that the monitor works well on another computer, then do the same thing for the video card on the suspect. If you can pull the video card and clean the finger board pins as well as the connector use a small wodden toothpick to get some alcohol into the female pins. use the connector of the monitor (turn Off) to work the alcohol around. Let dry and re-assemble.

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Re: Monitor going out ????
Aug 26, 2004 12:16AM PDT

Once a monitor acts up on its own, its pretty much going downhill and will fail. Unless someone used your monitor and fussed with the control, etc., review them and check results. While you can blame a possible video card, more than likely its the monitor. The quick check is to place on another system and if the results remain the same, shop for another monitor or repair.

good luck -----Willy Happy