Help: Pc Screen Has Gone Out

[companyone]

Hi,

My PC seems to be working fine, but all of a sudden my screen has some grayish-black lines running thru it and all the printed words do not have any color to them.

Example: this message I am typing here, has no color to the print....It shows just the "indention" of the words.

My monitor is about 3-4 years old....is it time for a new one?

I have no idea whats going on...any help would be great!

Thanks for your replys in advance.

Dan

[john_k]

Most likely it is the monitor going out. There is a small chance it could be the video card. If you have another monitor or computer you could swap monitors to see if the problem moves or stays put.

On the other hand, maybe it's just vapor lock :)

[txbakers]

could be vapor lock.

[griz_fan]

Not sure what type of computer you have or what operating system you're using, but I'll assume windows. If that is the case, try rebooting. How does the text-based start up screen look? If this shows the same symptoms, your monitor is likely the culprit. If not, I'd investigate software (either OS or video driver).
Other things to check. Any unshielded speakers or other magnetic sources near your screen? Any power transformers (power bricks) sharing the same power strip or electrical outlet with your monitor? Even certain types of lighting can cause problems for monitors. I even saw a refridgerator cause similar symptoms. A motor in the refridgerator on the opposite side of a shared wall started to go out, generating eletrical noise, causing the monitor problems. Or, you can use this as an excuse to upgrade to a nice big new monitor....

[john_k]

Or, you can use this as an excuse to upgrade to a nice big new monitor....

Along those lines, here are two guides you can follow:

Troubleshooting steps to follow if you will be paying for any repairs/replacements
1) Thump monitor twice on the side.
2) Turn monitor off for a few seconds and then turn it back on.
3) Using the buttons/switches on the monitor, adjust all of the settings.
4) Thump the monitor again.
5) Reboot computer.
6) Adjust monitor settings via the operating system.
7) Adjust video card settings via the operating system.
8) Thump the monitor.
9) Reboot the computer.
10) Swap the monitor with another one you have laying around.
11) Thump the monitor.
12) Thump the computer.
13) Buy yourself a nice, affordable, new monitor.
14) Later, at a time you deem appropriate, tell your spouse about the purchase. DO NOT PERFORM STEP 14 PRIOR TO PERFORMING STEP 13! (or you may be monitorless for the immediate future)

Troubleshooting steps to follow if work (or someone else) is paying the bills
1) Order the best monitor money can buy.
2) Gladly tell your spouse about it. Feel free to do steps 1 or 2 in any order.