Common Problems and Solutions for Displays
Identify the Problem
Display has power but no image
on the screen.
Display has power but no image
on the screen.
The display is flickering.
The display is flickering.
The image on the display looks
dim.
Pixels on the screen are dead,
or not generating color.
The image on the screen
appears to flash lines or
patterns of different color and
size (artifacts).
The image on the screen
appears to flash lines or
patterns of different color and
size (artifacts).
The image on the screen
appears to flash lines or
patterns of different color and
size (artifacts).
Color patterns on a screen are
incorrect.
Color patterns on a screen are
incorrect.
Color patterns on a screen are
incorrect.
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Probable Causes
Video cable is loose or
damaged.
The computer is not sending a
video signal to the external
display.
Images on the screen are not
refreshing fast enough.
The display inverter is damaged
or malfunctioning.
The LCD backlight is not
properly adjusted.
Power to the pixels has been cut
off.
The display is not properly
connected.
The GPU is overheating.
The GPU is faulty or
malfunctioning.
The display is not properly
connected.
The GPU is overheating.
The GPU is faulty or
malfunctioning.
Possible Solutions
Reconnect or replace video cable.
Use the Fn key along with the multi-
purpose key to toggle to the external
display.
Adjust the screen refresh rate.
Disassemble the display unit and
replace the inverter.
Check the repair manual for
instructions about calibrating the LCD
backlight. Adjust the LCD backlight
properly.
Contact the manufacturer.
Disassemble the display to check the
connections.
Disassemble and clean the computer,
checking for dust and debris.
Replace the GPU.
Disassemble the display to check the
connections.
Disassemble and clean the computer,
checking for dust and debris.
Replace the GPU.
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Common Problems and Solutions for Displays

Identify the Problem Probable Causes Possible Solutions

Images on a display screen are Display settings have been Restore display settings to the original
distorted. changed. factory settings.
Images on a display screen are The display is not properly Disassemble the display to a point
distorted. connected. where you can check the display
connections.
Images on a display screen are The GPU is overheating. Disassemble and clean the computer,
distorted. checking for dust and debris.
Images on a display screen are The GPU is faulty or Replace the GPU.
distorted. malfunctioning.

The display has a “ghost” The display is experiencing Power off the display and unplug it
image. burn-in. from the power source for a few hours.
The display has a “ghost” The display is experiencing Use the degauss feature if it is
image. burn-in. available.
The display has a “ghost” The display is experiencing Replace the display.
image. burn-in.

The images on the display have The driver has become Update or reinstall the driver in safe
distorted geometry. corrupted. mode.
The images on the display have The display settings are Use the display’s settings to correct
distorted geometry. incorrect. the geometry.

The monitor has oversized The driver has become Update or reinstall the driver in safe
images and icons. corrupted. mode.
The monitor has oversized The display settings are Use the display’s settings to correct
images and icons. incorrect. the geometry.

The projector overheats and The fan has failed. Replace the fan.
shuts down.
The projector overheats and The vents are clogged. Clean the vents.
shuts down.
The projector overheats and The projector is in an enclosure. Remove the enclosure or ensure
shuts down. proper ventilation.

In a multiple monitor setup, the
displays are not aligned or are
incorrectly oriented.
In a multiple monitor setup, the
displays are not aligned or are
incorrectly oriented.
The settings for multiple
monitors are not correct.
The driver has become
corrupted.
Use the display control panel to
identify each display and set the
alignment and orientation.
Update or reinstall the driver in safe
mode.

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Common Problems and Solutions for Displays

Identify the Problem Probable Causes Possible Solutions

The display is in VGA mode. The computer is in Safe Mode. Reboot the computer.
The display is in VGA mode. The driver has become Update or reinstall the driver in safe
corrupted. mode.

End of Document

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