Laptop Graphics Issue - Help Required!

[Temple Meads]

Hi all,

Purchased a laptop on eBay, only to find it has a major graphics issue, I've told the seller, and am awaiting a reply, but in the meantime, does anyone have any idea what might be wrong with it, and whether I could try anything to fix it?

This video shows the issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHP1_IL-EDA

Only thing I've tried is updating the graphics drivers software - no change.

TIA

 

[yorkie]

Have you tried re-formatting it? I would never use a 2nd hand laptop without re-formatting it for obvious reasons anyway.

Have you tried booting it into a Linux operating system (you can download an ISO and burn to disc and boot from disc without affecting your existing OS)?

 

[Alan1310]

Try going into the bios and see if it does this Otis it just when in windows

 

[harry42]

Most likely a windows fault?

Like yorkie said, Linux or Ubuntu works well. Burn it then put it in and follow set up.

What version of windows is it? Looks like vista/7?

Try windows XP (the older one.)

Or, I assume you have turned it off and on again?!


Could be a graphics card fault. May need replacing; seller wil do that.

 

[Class172]

What exactly is the "major graphics issue"?

 

[Crossover]

Oh crivens...that appears to be Vista

I would suggest first starting in safe mode (with networking if you wish to be able to recreate with the web pages) and see if it continues - safe mode will disable all the fancy stuff of Windows so could rule out a hardware issue.

Likewise, a "Live" disk - either Windows or Linux would allow you to boot a new Operating System from disk without disturbing the stuff on the hard drive and would also assist with proving/disproving the same

 

[Temple Meads]

What exactly is the "major graphics issue"?

Watch the video in the opening post

I did reformat it early on - in fact, before I noticed the issue for the first time.

I might give Linux a go, but I think I'll wait to hear back from the seller before trying it.

PS; just to confirm it is Vista. (which I don't really mind, despite its reputation)

 

[Class172]

Watch the video in the opening post

Whooops, silly me

At first instance it would suggest to me a fault in the connection in the laptop hinge. Does it worsen when you move/tilt the screen?

As a user of Linux, I would thoroughly recommend trying it out a least - an ISO boot disk won't damage your set-up at all. It's a fairly steep learning curve in comparison to what you're used to, but if you have an interest in computing, you should enjoy it in the end.

 

[Railguy220]

Showed this to my dad who repairs computers and he said it looks more like the screen that's the problem? Could be a dodgy cable somewhere. Hope you get it sorted!

 

[maniacmartin]

It's definitely a hardware problem. Could be a faulty connection, faulty screen or overheating graphics card.

 

[yorkie]

Watch the video in the opening post

I did reformat it early on - in fact, before I noticed the issue for the first time.

Did it occur while reformatting?
Does it occur in the BIOS?
What if you change resolution?
Does it make a difference if you change the angle of the screen?
How many memory modules does it have? If 2, try taking one out at a time (Unlikely to be the cause but I did I once find dodgy/incompatible memory the cause of a similar looking display)

 

[Temple Meads]

Moving the screen about doesn't change anything (likewise with resolution), I launched in safe mode and the problem didn't occur for 10 minutes, then I launched Google Chrome and it went haywire, thus I uninstalled Chrome, and it does seem to flicker a lot less, although it is still there.

I have noticed it in BIOS mode.

I'm not going to do anything drastic until I've heard back from the seller - there are 'tamper' stickers on the bottom of the case, and I'd rather they stayed undisturbed.

Will keep you posted with any developments. (would be quite happy to get the money back and buy a tablet tbh)

 

[TSR :D]

It's definitely hardware problem seeing the problem still shows up in BIOS mode. It's difficult to say if it's your graphic card or screen that's causing the problem. I'd say it's likely a dodgy cable between the laptop and screen or faulty screen that is causing this problem.

A quick way to find out would be to find a monitor (Or TV) in your house and connect your laptop to it through using either HDMI or DVI/VGA cable. If the external monitor still shows the problem, then it's graphic card problem, otherwise it's faulty screen.

 

[Temple Meads]

It's definitely hardware problem seeing the problem still shows up in BIOS mode. It's difficult to say if it's your graphic card or screen that's causing the problem. I'd say it's likely a dodgy cable between the laptop and screen or faulty screen that is causing this problem.

A quick way to find out would be to find a monitor (Or TV) in your house and connect your laptop to it through using either HDMI or DVI/VGA cable. If the external monitor still shows the problem, then it's graphic card problem, otherwise it's faulty screen.

I'll definitely do that tomorrow when I'm a little more with it.

I've noticed that there is a slight area of damage near one of the hinges...
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Attached a monitor as a duplicate screen and the problem only occured on the laptop screen, so it looks like things have been narrowed down to either the screen or the screen connection. Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[yorkie]

Almost certainly the cable from the computer to the monitor. In some cases that's cheap to fix, in others it's not! So it's best to get it sent back.

 

[Temple Meads]

I let the seller know about the problem, and he offered me a refund, which I happily accepted, I'll be buying a tablet soon as a replacement

Thanks again for all your help on this thread.

 

[fowler9]

Sorry to repeat what others have said but it looks to me more like a problem with the laptop connection between the computer and the monitor. I say that as I had the exact same problem, I now have the laptop plugged in to an old monitor. Fortunately I don't need the laptop to be portable and use a tablet that was bought for me as a gift when moving around.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I let the seller know about the problem, and he offered me a refund, which I happily accepted, I'll be buying a tablet soon as a replacement

Thanks again for all your help on this thread.

Sorry mate, I was obviously a bit behind you there. Ha ha.