There are a couple of steps that can be tried which would isolate if it is a hardware or software issue. 1. Run the LCD Built-In Self-Test (BIST). If you observe the same issue on the setup screen or during the LCD Bist, it is not an issue with the Operating System, it is a hardware issue. For more details please check the article on Resolving Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry Issues.
2. Try booting into Safe Mode. -- Remove all external peripherals from the computer. -- Only the battery and AC adapter should be connected. -- Restart the computer. -- Keep tapping F8 key on the Dell logo screen. -- It takes you to the Advanced Boot Menu. -- Select Safe Mode and press Enter. -- Check if the vertical lines are there when the computer is in safe mode.
Please try the steps and write back to us would be glad to assist further.
Thanks for your reply. I ran the diagnostics tool. The first screen that appeared which had vertical bars then horizontal bars also had distorted lines like the Bios screen. When it asked if I had seen the bars I said no (I did but wanted to give a negative response), it showed several full screens of a single block colour, these screens did not show any distortion.
Thank you for replying, I would request you check in safe mode if the lines are there. In case the lines are there, the LCD needs to be replaced.
Does the computer have an active warranty? You can check the warranty status here. In case of expired warranty scenario, we would not be able to extend warranty entitled services. If the warranty on the computer has expired, you may contact our Expired Warranty Services (this is for US based customers).
Please write back if you have any further questions.
There are no lines at all in windows in safe mode or normal mode, just a poor resolution (1024x768). safe mode is by default a lower resolution anyway so cannot really tell that everything graphically is ok.
The machine is definitely out of warranty, it was bought about 5 years ago.
I have tried downloading the graphics drivers but they always fail to install.
DELL-Allan D
4 Operator
•
2.6K Posts
0
November 25th, 2012 13:00
Hello Dave,
There are a couple of steps that can be tried which would isolate if it is a hardware or software issue.
1. Run the LCD Built-In Self-Test (BIST).
If you observe the same issue on the setup screen or during the LCD Bist, it is not an issue with the Operating System, it is a hardware issue. For more details please check the article on Resolving Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry Issues.
2. Try booting into Safe Mode.
-- Remove all external peripherals from the computer.
-- Only the battery and AC adapter should be connected.
-- Restart the computer.
-- Keep tapping F8 key on the Dell logo screen.
-- It takes you to the Advanced Boot Menu.
-- Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
-- Check if the vertical lines are there when the computer is in safe mode.
Please try the steps and write back to us would be glad to assist further.
davegracie
3 Posts
0
November 26th, 2012 14:00
Hi
Thanks for your reply. I ran the diagnostics tool. The first screen that appeared which had vertical bars then horizontal bars also had distorted lines like the Bios screen. When it asked if I had seen the bars I said no (I did but wanted to give a negative response), it showed several full screens of a single block colour, these screens did not show any distortion.
Thanks
Dave
DELL-Allan D
4 Operator
•
2.6K Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 15:00
Hi Dave,
Thank you for replying, I would request you check in safe mode if the lines are there. In case the lines are there, the LCD needs to be replaced.
Does the computer have an active warranty? You can check the warranty status here. In case of expired warranty scenario, we would not be able to extend warranty entitled services. If the warranty on the computer has expired, you may contact our Expired Warranty Services (this is for US based customers).
Please write back if you have any further questions.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
November 28th, 2012 15:00
Does the system have an nVidia video chip? If so, that has failed and the mainboard will need to be replaced.
davegracie
3 Posts
0
November 28th, 2012 15:00
Hi
There are no lines at all in windows in safe mode or normal mode, just a poor resolution (1024x768). safe mode is by default a lower resolution anyway so cannot really tell that everything graphically is ok.
The machine is definitely out of warranty, it was bought about 5 years ago.
I have tried downloading the graphics drivers but they always fail to install.
Thanks