Topic: Strange white lines on my screen

[Clive]

For the past two days I've been getting strange white lines - the size of the thin white border over the top of "PC Pals Forum".  There are usually only one or two lines and they are not there all the time.  Any idea what might be the cause?   

[Simon]

Dead pixels?  They may not show all the time, depending on the screen background. 

[Rik]

Download and run this, Clive:

http://majorgeeks.com/Undead_Pixel_d4836.html

It will show if you've got any pixel problems. I'd guess at a video driver issue myself, though - unless, of course, you've been using the Tippex again.

[Clive]

Neat site Rik.  I've downloaded and run the software and can confirm there are no dead pixels at all! Considering this Ilyama monitor is prehistoric I'm quietly pleased.  But I downloaded and ran the outdated driver site it advertised and I have a lot of "ancient" drivers.  Unfortunately they want money to update them for me.

[Simon]

I'm sure you could find the drivers free, Clive.  Have you tried the Ilyama web site?  I'm a little sceptical that it could be a driver issue, though, if the fault is intermittent.  Next time it happens, can you post a screenshot?

[Clive]

Yes, I can do that.   

[Rik]

A screenshot won't actually show what the monitor is displaying, rather, what the graphics card is telling it to display. If, therefore, the lines are there on the screen, but not in the screenshot, the monitor is faulty. OTOH, if it's there on both, it's the card or driver. If the machine shares main memory with graphics - only likely on a notebook normally - you'd have to check memory as well.

[Clive]

Today there is no problem with it. 

[Rik]

Watch that space.

[Clive]

Strangely my mouse was playing up yesterday too.  But I spilt coffee all over it.  It works fine today!   

[Simon]

[Clive]

I was too hasty ordering a new one from Amazon!  A fiver for the mouse and almost the same for post and packing!   

[Rik]

Buy them in fives from Misco, Clive, they're much cheaper in OEM packs.

[Clive]

This one has lasted 5 years and is set to go on and on...   In 25 years time I shall be er...25 years older.