Screen Blackout

[Willie]

Windows XP Home. Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop. After being up for 30-60 minutes
the screen suddenly goes dark (there is a ghost image). If I shut the cover,
then reopen it and press the power button the screen comes up without loss of
info. Once it's happened the frequency of blackout becomes more rapid--every
5 minutes or so. Help! At least to this point I haven't lost data.

 

[Leonard Grey]

A professional technician can tell you which applies in your case:

1- failing power supply
2- defective cooling fan
3- defective screen
4- malfunctioning video

 

[Bob Harris]

I had something similar on a desktop computer, and the fix was to replace
the video card.

In the case of a laptop, the video may be built-in to the motherboard, and
so replacing it can be more of a chore. That is, the entire motherboard
might need replacing. However, it is also possible that the video RAM can
be replaced separately form the video chip/card.

But, before doing anything drastic/expensive, try cleaning the air inlets
and exits and then try running the computer on a flat, hard surface (desk or
table). If you are lucky, the problem might be as simple as overheating.

Good luck.

 

[Alec S.]

Willie wrote (in

Windows XP Home. Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop. After being up for 30-60 minutes
the screen suddenly goes dark (there is a ghost image). If I shut the cover,
then reopen it and press the power button the screen comes up without loss of
info. Once it's happened the frequency of blackout becomes more rapid--every
5 minutes or so. Help! At least to this point I haven't lost data.

That sounds an awful lot like a power saving function of the laptop (or
application). It should be configurable; check your manual under power
management.

Does it do that when you’re actively using it? Can you bring it back just by
pressing some keys? Do you have a power-saving application running?

 

[Alec S.]

Willie wrote (in news[email protected]):
Another thought: It could be caused by overheating, dust, or maybe a loose
connection. Try holding the laptop up, with the display’s screen facing the
ground. Gently shake it a bit and see if the screen goes blank. If it does, then
that’s your problem; it’s not a laptop, it’s an Etch-a-Sketch.



Sorry, I couldn’t resist.