Lines appearing on screen

Question

Lines appear from time to time on my laptop. Now, the screen jitters periodically to the point where I can't read the text for several seconds. I have reinstalled the video card but that doesn't help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Shirley

ejn63 · Answer

Attach an external monitor. Fault transfer to it? If so, you have a video card or driver issue. If the fault extends to the BIOS screen, your video card is probably faulty.

No fault? The display needs repair or replacement. If under warranty, call Dell. If not, contact an LCD repair shop - repair will cost $150 or so vs. $500+ for replacement.

johnallg · Answer

Your video flex harness needs to be reseated - either at the motherboard end or possibly the lcd end - depends on the notebook model, which you neglected to mention.

ShirleyC · Answer

Thank you both for your replies. I have the Inspiron 8100 and I'm quite sure I wouldn't know how to test out the second suggestion. Shirley

johnallg · Answer

With the 8000/8100/8200 it was common for the video flex cable harness at the notebook end to work loose and cause exactly the symptoms you are experiencing. All you do is lift out the plastic bezel (called the hinge cover below) above the keyboard (the one the power button is in) and the video flex cable end is right there under that. You make sure it is fully seated.

To remove the hinge cover, look here. It is not that hard to do - many here have been able to do the fix. You do not remove the display assembly, as the above picture implies - that picture is from another repair, but shows the parts you are dealing with.

Message Edited by johnallg on 02-01-2005 08:32 PM

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Lines appearing on screen

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