Computer display problem - Help!

[StuartC]

Originally Posted by scubadoguk

Just another thought anti gaussing?? is there a button on the monitor to do that ?
I have to be carefull I am about to lost my allowance of thoughts for this week

TFT doesn't degaussing as it doesn't get magnetised like CRT screens do.

Is this display problem from a desktop PC or a laptop - it's not clear from your posts, but it sounds like this is a monitor attached to a laptop, or was that just from testing?

looks like it's a hardware fault/bad connection.

Displaying the boot-up text doesn't use any software drivers, as this is all in the hardware itself.

Windows will either use default VGA drivers (with limited resolutions), or the ATI drivers for the full range of options etc.

If it's likely to be hardware, then the first thing is to check the connection between the computer and the screen.

1) check cable connections are secure and undamaged - any damage to the cable, or pins on the connector? Is the monitor using DVI (white) or VGA (blue) sockets? does it have any adapters in line.
If possible, can you try another cable?

2) interference is possible, so relocate the kit/remove things from the screen area.
You say this improved for the laptop to 19" screen when you did this.
Sounds like it could actually be the cable and you've improved the cable connection during the relocation.

Also if this is a laptop and monitor arrangement, there's the potential for wear and tear on the cable/socket as you plug/unplug this more frequently than for a PC.

3) If this was just from a desktop PC, then I'd recommend checking the seating of the video card in the PC (assuming this isn't onboard video), but as you've seen the problem when connecting a laptop, my money is on the monitor or cable.

[Conor]

Yup, most likely the cable or socket. Make sure the cable is firmly pushed into the back of the screen. Have a look around for anything close by that could cause interference, amplifiers, cable tv boxes, etc within a couple of meters all around (even if there is a wall in the way).

It is possible MI5 have bugged your room, this is normally the cause on television

[Jen]

Thanks so much for your suggestions guys n gals but it's fixed!

Spawn One took the monitor apart yesterday gave it a special stare (learnt from her care bare days) and put it back together again.

So not only do I have the best buddy in the world I also have the best in-house tech support in the world