Creeping cursor on dying monitor

[Don Phillipson]

The monitor (Compaq V1100 CRT) is a decade old and
probably dying. The problem is "blinking" black once or twice,
then correct image restores itself in two sec. The diagnosis
(this NG suggested last year) is at least one dead capacitor,
but I like the picture quality and have a reserve monitor, thus will
use the Compaq so long as it lasts.) The blink started last year
once or twice a day, now is once or twice an hour.

New this month is "cursor creep." The cursor occasionally
moves itself, slowly and just an inch or two, usually sideways,
when no hand touches the mouse. Is this just a second
symptom of the monitor's demise?

 

[Strobe]

The monitor (Compaq V1100 CRT) is a decade old and
probably dying. The problem is "blinking" black once or twice,
then correct image restores itself in two sec. The diagnosis
(this NG suggested last year) is at least one dead capacitor,
but I like the picture quality and have a reserve monitor, thus will
use the Compaq so long as it lasts.) The blink started last year
once or twice a day, now is once or twice an hour.

New this month is "cursor creep." The cursor occasionally
moves itself, slowly and just an inch or two, usually sideways,
when no hand touches the mouse.
Is this just a second symptom of the monitor's demise?

No - it's a mouse problem.

Either the mouse is dying, or it's picking up noise that the circuitry
interprets as movement. I once had an optical mouse that 'saw' vibration of
the desk as movement, and another that slowly moved (helped by the
vibration)under the pull of a loop of its cable that hung off the edge of the
desk.

Try a new mouse to test this.

Note, ALWAYS keep a spare mouse and keyboard handy. If one breaks, your PC is
pretty well useless until you can replace it.
They're mechanical and get handled a lot, so are more liable to damage than the
components safely inside the PC. Fortunately, they're fairly cheap.

 

[NT]

The monitor (Compaq V1100 CRT) is a decade old and
probably dying.  The problem is "blinking" black once or twice,
then correct image restores itself in two sec.  The diagnosis
(this NG suggested last year) is at least one dead capacitor,
but I like the picture quality and have a reserve monitor, thus will
use the Compaq so long as it lasts.)   The blink started last year
once or twice a day, now is once or twice an hour.

New this month is "cursor creep."  The cursor occasionally
moves itself, slowly and just an inch or two, usually sideways,
when no hand touches the mouse.  Is this just a second
symptom of the monitor's demise?

Blink to black on CRTs usually means arcover somewhere, most often
somewhere in the EHT region. Its soon terminal and a fire risk.


NT

 

[GlowingBlueMist]

Blink to black on CRTs usually means arcover somewhere, most often
somewhere in the EHT region. Its soon terminal and a fire risk.


NT

Many times the arcover is caused by dust buildup inside the chassis. A good
blowing out with a strong (dry) air hose can usually fix that. Little cans
of "air" usually are just not up to the task if the case is still closed or
the buildup of dust is heavy.

Many times it can be done with the cover on but it usually helps to open the
case and blow out the dust buildup, especially if it has been a few years
since it was last done, if ever.

Opening the case can cause a severe shock hazard for those who do not know
what they are doing.