Desktop - Abnormal Video
Things to confirm
- Check the connection of the video cable.
Confirm that the video cable is firmly and properly connected at the back of the monitor and the back of the computer.
If the video cable is partially disconnected, unpredictable and inconsistent video images can result. Turn the computer off and reconnect both ends of the video cable. Restart the computer and then check the video.
- Inspect the video connectors.
Turn the computer off and disconnect the video cable. Inspect the video cable ends as well as any DVI to VGA adapters if present.
Ensure that there are no missing, bent, or broken pins on either end of the VGA cable. If there is a DVI to VGA adapter, inspect the adapter for missing, bent, or broken pins.
Things to try
- Swap the video cable and/or adapters with a second computer.
If a second computer is available, connect the video cable and any adapters to it. Turn the computer on and observe the video.
If the second computer now exhibits the same or similar behavior as the original, this indicates that the cable and/or the adapter are contributing to the difficulty.
- Use the Auto settings feature on the monitor.
Locate and initiate the Auto settings feature on the monitor itself.
Most monitors have an Auto settings option located in their on-screen setup menu. The Auto settings feature is used to automatically adjust itself to the ideal settings for the current resolution. If necessary, refer to the users' guide or product documentation for instructions on how to use this feature.
- Verify the resolutions settings.
Confirm that the hardware is capable of supporting the current resolution settings.
Refer to the users' guide or product documentation to determine the maximum display resolution that the computer is capable of.
- Degauss the monitor.
Note: This only applies to CRT monitors and not LCDs.
If the color is not uniform or there is shading on the screen, use the degauss feature to demagnetize the monitor.
Most CRT monitors have a degauss feature which demagnetizes the screen and corrects some abnormal colors. If the monitor is placed too close to another monitor, power transformer or adapters, electric fans, fluorescent lights, metal shelving, laser printers, or unshielded speakers, abnormal shading or colors on the screen can result. Refer to the product page for the specific monitor for instructions on how to degauss it.
- Check the refresh rate settings.
Confirm that the refresh rate settings are set appropriately for the CRT monitor. This does not apply to LCD displays.
This step does not apply to LCD displays because LCD cells open to pass a continuous stream of light, and do not dim until instructed to produce a darker color. If the refresh rate settings are incorrect, the picture on the screen may be shifted one way or may not be viewable at all. The computer may have to be restarted in Safe mode or at a low resolution to confirm the settings or change the settings. Refer to the product page for the CRT monitor for details on its refresh rate settings and capabilities.
- Rollback the video driver.
If a new video driver was recently installed, roll the driver back to the previous version.
Windows XP
Windows Vista
- Disconnect and remove unnecessary devices.
If the abnormal video started at the same time that any hardware was connected to the computer, shut the computer down and remove that hardware.
Removing any hardware that may have been connected or installed at the same time that the difficulty began helps eliminate potential contributors to the issue.
- Adjust the contrast and brightness.
If the screen is dim or too bright, locate the contrast and brightness adjustments on the monitor. If necessary, reference the product documentation or users' guide for instructions on how to adjust these settings.
Adjust the brightness and contrast to their middle levels. This ensures that these settings have not been inadvertently adjusted to a level that may be to dim for your preference. If any menus along with the brightness and contrasts settings can be displayed on the screen, it could be an indication that the monitor is working properly, unless the monitor is very dim at its highest settings or the information on the screen is distorted.
Conclusion
If all troubleshooting procedures have been followed and the computer still has abnormal video, the monitor, cables, or video card/motherboard may need to be serviced or replaced. Many computers have integrated video meaning replacement parts could include the entire motherboard. If possible, test the monitor and cables on a different computer to help isolate the issue.
If following the above procedures did not resolve your problem, please contact Gateway through one of
the following methods:
