Monitor Trouble - Gray Lines and Such

Question

Hi. I have Dell system with Windows 98. I've recently had a problem with my monitor.

A few weeks ago, I first started having a brief problem. While working normally, the screen just blacked out. The computer was clearly still running, but no matter what I couldn't see anything on the monitor. I restarted the computer promptly only to find a bigger, more puzzling problem. The startup files appeared to all be mispelled (the white letters on the black screen when you restart a Windows 98 system). Then it took me to a blue screen where it gave me an apparent error message, one which I couldn't understand due to the fact that the words were mispelled. Zeros filled the background of this screen. I later got the computer to start up, but it was in 16 color mode with a lower resolution. This happened a few times that week, but later appeared to have fixed itself. Lately, that problem has gone away.

But, now, a week to two weeks after that problem seemingly vanished, I'm faced with a new problem. I started my computer today. The screen was flickering only slightly. A short while later, the screen darkened a shade and I'm seeing light gray horizontal lines all over the screen. Everything seems duller for the most part. A few colors, like a reddish/pinkish seems pretty vibrant. Is my monitor broken? Do I need a new one? Or is this some sort of video card problem?? I think I have a Nvidia GeForce 256 video card, if that helps you any. Please help me.

JDre · Answer

If it is convenient, substitute the monitor, but I have had similar symptoms on my Geforce2, with loss of image, and corrupted words on the screen, along with occasional wallpaper stripe patterns that make my PC need to be reset.  My problems have gone into hiding, so I wait for a consistent failure.  You could look and see if the videocard's fan is running freely and fast and not clogged with dust.  Then try it again. Time for a new videocard.  I would like to know how it turns out when you change it.  In the video forum, folks suggest the Nvidia Ti4200 or 4600 series or Radeon 9200 for the older Dells. I am considering a 5700.  Is your system a Dimension XPST?

Willman14 · Answer

My dell system is a Dell Dimension XPS T700r. Not sure what that means, but there you go!! :)

And where is this video card fan?? Is it the one in the back of the computer (the obvious one)? And how is it best to clean it if it's dusty?

And I'm kinda illiterate with high tech computer stuff. Where is the video card and HOW exactly would I replace it if need be? I mean, do you buy video cards in a store or is it like software you download? I must sound so silly.....

One more thing. I'm a little confused by your reply. You said to get a new monitor if convenient, and then talked about the problem lying with the video card. Could it be either thing? Is there one thing I should try to fix before the other?

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply to me. I really appreciate the help so far - and so quickly too. If you, or someone else, could clarify those things a bit it'd be a big help. Once I take the steps I'll be SURE to let you know how it goes. Thanks again!!

Jason986 · Answer

Willman,

XPS T700r is your system model. Anyhow, the problem is the NVIDIA GeForce 256 video card. There is a known issue with the fans failing on these video cards. When that occurs, the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) overheats and permanently fries. The classic symptom of a GPU failure on the 256 is gray to black translucent, horizontal bars across your screen. Colors are typically muted and text may appear distorted, as well.

You can check this by doing the following:

1. Shut down you computer.

2. Turn off the monitor.

3. Once the computer is off, unplug the power cord to the computer from the wall.

4. Once the power cord has been removed, press and hold the power button on the front of the tower for 3 seconds. This grounds the computer and makes it possible for you to safely open the PC with little chance of further damaging the system.

5. Unscrew the thumbscrew in the rear of the tower. It's located about midway down the back on one of the two long sides of the tower.

6. With that screw removed, you can pull the side panel off of the computer by sliding it toward the rear of the tower.

7. You now have access to the innards of your computer. Now, look at the back of your computer where the video cable (usually with a big, blue connector) from your monitor attaches to your PC.

8. The board on the inside of the computer that corresponds with where your monitor cable attaches is your video card.

9. Now, reconnect the power cable but do NOT attach the side pannel again.

10. Turn on the computer with the side pannel off so you can see what's going on inside of it.

11. Once the computer has turned on, take a close look at the fan on your video card. You may need a flashlight for this step. If the fan is spinning fast with only a light swooshing noise, it is likely functioning properly. If the fan is not spinning, is turning slowly, or is making audible sounds not typically associated with a fan, it is the source of the problem.

14. To re-attach the side pannel of your computer, repeat steps 1-5 and reverse step six.

If the video card is your problem, Dell can install a new one if your system is under warranty. If you are out of warranty, you can purchase a new video card from an online retailer like http://www.newegg.com or at a local store like BestBuy. Video cards are relatively simple to install, and shouldn't take more than 30 minutes for even the most novice computer user. The cost is anywhere from $35 to $200+ for a video card, depending on how many features you want.

Also, your monitor is more than likely just fine. You can test the monitor by: turning it off, disconnecting the video cable from you video card (but still leaving the power to the monitor from the wall), and turning the monitor on again. The self-test screen should appear and if there are no obvious problem with it (ie lines through it), your monitor is fine.

Hope all this helps!

Jason

JeanetteArleen · Answer

I've got exactly the same problem with the NVIDIA GeForce 256 AGP video adapter, installed in the Dell Dimension XPS T700r.  I've checked my monitor (a P991 Ultra Scan Trinitron) and it appears to be functioning okay.  So I'm pretty sure it is the video card.  I also heard unusual noise, so suspect that a fan was malfunctioning.  I'm very disappointed that the quality of this video card was not better.  I expected better.  However, when I took the sides off to have a look, I did find a lot of dust.  So I now have my tower on the desktop instead of the floor.  My question please if anyone is still reading this thread, is the fan integrated with the video card?  Thanks for all the input that others give.  I appreciate it very much.

Jason986 · Answer

'My question please if anyone is still reading this thread, is the fan integrated with the video card?  '   I suppose it depends how you define 'integrated.'  Yes, the fan is a part of the video card.  It is attached to the GPU and receives power through a 3-pin connecter on the video card.  That said, the fan can be pried up and replaced with a new fan.  However, if you're experiencing the horizontal bars problem, your GPU is toast and your entire video card must be replaced. Does this clarify things? Jason

JDre · Answer

Sounds like some videocards will be sold today to Dell XPS T700r owners! I meant to borrow another monitor, but seems unecessary. Jason986's post is very thorough, you both are experiencing classic failures apparently. My Geforce256 (that I had before) had the fan fail, it made an odd scuffing noise, and the PC would lock up. I checked the fan, cleaned the dust out, and oiled the bearing on the fan, and my card worked, never failed like yours. The fan started moaning again, so Dell replaced it with the Geforce2gts I have today. Your fans must have failed long ago. My current videocard has intermittent problems like yours, but no fan or dirt problems at all! When you both replace your videocards, please let me know of your success, or further questions. Message Edited by JDre on 04-07-2004 03:47 PM

Willman14 · Answer

Thanks Jason. That was a huge help. I really appreciate your time in helping me. I just have three more questions (for now anyway, lol). Will it harm my computer anymore running it with the broken video card for a temporary period until I can properly fix this problem?? Is there a video card you recommend for my system (I don't need a lot of features, just something basic that provides at least the number of features of my current one and will last)? And, lastly, is there anything I need to do with my Nvidia video DRIVER upon installing this new video CARD, or will the software I buy provide the necessary adjustments?

Thanks again. Everybody's help is appreciated. It's great to know I'm not the ONLY one with this problem.

JDre · Answer

Willman 14, here are my answers:

1.Harm to computer, I don't know, safer to replace videocard, but surprise expense.
2.If you don't ever play complex videogames, GeForce Fx5200 AGP readily available at Compusa or BestBuy, about equal to what you are replacing. Some are fanless! Radeon 9200 also, may be better. Videocards are Nvidia chips called Geforce or ATI called Radeon, brands like PNY,ATI,XFX,Asylum,other names aimed at gamers..
3.Yes, the driver will have to be uninstalled before you shut down and remove the bad card. Go to the Video Dimension forum, there is an FAQ about driver cleaner and drivers that will help you. The newest drivers are at www.nvidia .com or www.ati.com depending on the chip, or you could use the one provided with the board.

(I am hoping you do not have the Cinemaster DVD decoder, because it will not connect to the new board. If you have that, there is a ribbon cable attached to the videocard.)

JeanetteArleen · Answer

Thank you Jason for your quick response and helpful information.  I appreciate it.

carolpietz · Answer

I just had the same problem with the gray lines and dull colors. It turned out to be my NVIDIA video card (TNT2 M64). Dell recommended that I replace it with the same one that I had since my computer is 4 years old and there could be an incompatibility between my old motherboard and one of the newer cards. Dell offered to sell me a refurbished one for $80, but I found a generic one online for $30 including shipping. I have XP, so I just popped it in and it started working right away - I didn't have to download a driver.

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Monitor Trouble - Gray Lines and Such

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