- I have disconnected monitor from PC and ran self help test. It says monitor ok but lines are still there.

This troubleshooting step verifies the monitor as the source of failure. You will not need to reinstall your operating system or troubleshoot the video card; the monitor will definitely need to be replaced.

I have this problem too on my Dell 8100 system with a 19" P991 FD Trinitron Monitor.  I contacted Tech support and they told me to perform the self test.  When that came back normal they told me not to worry that the diagonal lines were normal.  I knew I was not crazy, and that the monitor was in fact failing.  I have the extended warranty.  I will contact BanTec and see if I can have them repair/replace the monitor.  They should since I paid for a warranty that I have not used in almost 3 years and this is a covered item.

Finally got my monitor replaced. Sent an e-mail explaining self test ok but lines still there. Took about 7 days. Impressive service. Monitor exactly 3 years old. Didn't realise how bad old monitor was compared to replacement. Can read screen without glasses now :)

Only puzzling thing is replacement monitor dated April 2001, same as old monitor. Do they send out refurbished parts?

 

Ken

They sent me a replacement monitor too.  It was a refurbished P991 according to the box it came in.  The trouble is the replacement monitor has a problem of its own.  It shuts off and turns back on while I am using it.  I must reiterate that it shuts off and turns on while I am typing or using the mouse.  This is not an issue of power saver mode due to inactivity.

Dell's first response was to tell me to turn off power saver mode, but that was because they misinterpreted my original email to them.  They thought I was concerned because it shut down when it was inactive.  Well, I re-explained the problem in a follow-up email.  I am waiting to hear from them.

I will say that the replacement monitor's picture was beautiful, but it is unacceptable to have the monitor shutting off while I am working.

The strange and sad part is that Dell sent me a $599 invoice for the replacement monitor today even though the old one was under warranty.  Apparently this was to encourage me to promptly return the old one.  That invoice was a bad PR move.  I promptly returned my monitor the day after I received the replacement.  They could have waited a week or two to see if the monitor was returned before they invoiced me.  And what's with that invoice price.  It is a refurbished 3 year old monitor.  How is it possible that it is worth $599 today?  I don't think so.