About Chris Morrison Expertise Installation of cards. Difference between card types. What card is best for your purpose. Driver problems. All video issues.
Experience 15 years experience with building, repairing and upgrading PCs. Technical support experience.
Organizations Help on the Net
Education/Credentials Associates Degree in Information Technology
A Certified
Expert: Chris Morrison Date: 4/15/2008 Subject: Addition to my earlier question...
Question Earlier today, I asked a question about whether my monitor could be having electrical interference causing the picture to "sway, ripple and flex," for lack of better terms. I now have more information and am even more confused about what the problem could be.
Turns out, it's not the MONITOR, it's the computer itself. Tried two additional monitors and still had the same problem, took the computer and my monitor to my sister's house and still had the same problem, then lo and behold, the monitor doesn't have any picture or "interference" type problems when hooked up to OTHER computers - it was tried on three other computers and does not have the problem. Apparently, it is my computer. Could you help me to narrow down what the problem might be (video card?) so that I can better explain it to the repair tech I will probably end up having to call. As I said, this is my JOB here and I can't continue with the wobbly, wiggly screen. It's making me sea-sick! LOL...
Sydney
Answer First lets get rid of any speakers near the computer.
Then purchase some canned air from a local office supply store (at least 2 cans). Unplug the computer (you might want to take it outside for this). Open the case. This can be done by removing two screw on the left rear side (looking at the front) and removing the panel by sliding it front. Other cases may have a release button on the top and/or bottom or side. Use the canned air to blow out the whole computer. Get the fans and power supply really good. In the case of the power supply just blow in the vents on both sides. Prepare yourself for lots of dust bunnies.
Once everything in blown out. Check you video card. If it is an actual card (not built on the mainboard) you can remove the screw in the rear and pull it out. Slide it back in tightly and replace the screw. Some APG type cards have a release lever on the mainboard to release the card. If your video in built into the mainboard don't worry there will not be a card to remove.
Plug the computer back in and boot up. If the prob was just dust buildup you might be rollin right now. If not I would say the next step is replace the video card or video cable. Since the cable is the cheapest I would try that first. When you tried the monitor on another computer did you use the cable from your monitor or the cable from the other monitor?
If you used your cable then never mind replacing it - apparently it is OK. If you used the cable from the other monitor - I would try replacing yours. You can get this at an office supply store usually. Or from Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119038
You could replace the video card, but I would hate to see you waist money if it is something like the power supply. If you call a tech, make sure he tests your power supply. Power supplies that are failing cause all sorts of fun problems. Don't let them replace your hard drive - like many do. Hard drives do not cause display interference.
The repair is something you can do yourself and i can walk you through it. Replacing the power supply and video card might take about 15-20 minutes tops and might cost you $100 (depending on the type of video card). If you want to post back the model and serial of the computer (Dell i also need the service code) I can direct you to the correct type of parts. Newegg usually gets stuff to you in about 3 days. So you could be back up before the weekend.
