2nd Computer under warranty, same problem, Need some advise.

Question

Thougth I had it licked until browsing the internet last night. My first computer and replacement would sporadically lock up, show vertical lines across the whole screen, or would be completely black except for a 1 in. by 1 in. white square with vertical color lines thru the square. Spent about 2 hours with dell on my replacement. We went thru all the diagnostics and installed new ati drivers. Thought the problem was solved til last night.   Called Dell, they adivsed backup everything and call them back to do a re-install for vista. I really dont think this will help the situation. Plus I'm going to have alot time involved in reinstalling software and backing up.   Anyway, is there anyone familiar with this problem?   Thanks Brian NC

fireberd · Answer

The reinstall is the typical 'shotgun' approach to try and fix problems.  Many times it will at the customer's expense of having to do it plus losing all user data if it's not backed up.   However, yours sounds more like a video problem or even a static electricity problem.  Since two PC's have done the exact same thing, I would suspect static electricity or even something wrong with your AC power (e.g. do you have a known good AC power ground where you are connecting).  If you are using a surge protector AC power strip and it's the same one you used on the other PC, replace it with a different one.  As far as the AC power wiring, that is probably something for an Electrician.    That would be my take on the situation.

fireberd · Answer

It would have helped (altered) my response if the PC Model had been stated, as Dell suggests, in the initial post.

Windows General

2nd Computer under warranty, same problem, Need some advise.

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