Something wrong with the Laptop screen

[Guest]

Hello everyone,

I hope someone can help me because I have no idea what happened to my
computer. It was fine this morning, but when I used it later this afternoon.
The screen is not as clear. I can still read everything, but now I can see
all little vertical lines all the way across the screen, sometimes it's just
lines like a really rough picture, sometimes the lines seem to be an
iradescent color. My screen has always been very clear and crisp in it's
color and projection. Well now you can see little lines on the screen. Also,
I have noticed that if I open a window and then close it I can sorta lightly
see an imprint of it on the desktop. It seems to be very faint. Like even
though I closed it, it is still stuck on the screen. It is faint enough where
I can still see what he main screen is. Does anyone have any idea why my
computer is doing this? Is is getting old? Is it a virus? Is something with
the screen messed up or is in something internal in the computer. It is a
Compaq Presario 700, I got it in 2002 or 2003, I forget which year.

 

[Richard in AZ]

It could be something simple like a loose connection between the computer
and the display screen.
But it could also be that you are losing the screen.
Plug a standard monitor into the back connector and see if the image there
is okay.
Unfortunately, if the monitor is going, it will be $$$ to replace it.
You will need a qualified technician to check it. One certified by Compaq
and who has the tools.
Laptop are not designed to be opened and fooled with by just anyone.

 

[Guest]

So if I don't get it fixed, will the screen eventually just die and never
work? It is weird that it completely happened out of nowhere. One second it
was fine and the next it wasn't. If it is a loose connection, what can I do?
Just move/shake the screen a little bit? Should I try and contact Compaq? And
if I need a new screen, is it worth just buying a whole new laptop? *SIGH*

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

Try readjusting your screen brightness and contrast controls.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"

 

[Richard in AZ]

The laptop screen is connected to the computer with a flex-ribbon cable.
Opening and closing the cover can cause damage or a loose connection.
Unfortunately, the case would have to be opened to check this out. The
extra monitor connection would just establish if the computer video circuits
are okay or not. I have no idea of the cost of a new monitor for that
computer, but before you say "Sure, put one in." to a tech, price it out. A
new laptop might be a better buy. On the other hand, if it works on a
separate monitor, you could still use it a an expensive desktop computer.

A quick Google for your computer finds new screens are $399 plus S&H and a
used screen on ebay is $115.
That price does not include the plastic housing. Then you need a tech to
remove the old and install the new. Unknown how much tech support is in
your area. Looks like a new laptop might be a better deal in the long run
as you would be getting a much faster CPU.

 

[Guest]

Readjusting my screen brightness and contrast controls did not work. Actually
I couldn't even find my contrast control, I could only find some "high"
contrast that was for people that could not see very well. VERY big font and
weird settings...*Sigh* Should I contact a compaq tech or go to a compaq
store or what?

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

I would certainly consider contacting the manufacturer, especially if the
computer is still under warranty.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"