Monitor flashing?

JerryG · Dec 11, 2004

One of our computers is a HP Pavilion with windows 98. When in use, the screen will flash on and off. If you turn the power off to the monitor for a few minutes, it is all right for a while. It doesn't do it even everyday. Just once in while, but when it does, you can't get anything done. I know that it isn't the monitor, because I swapped it with an extra one that I have and it still does it. Could anyone tell me what I need to change to fix the problem?

GRUMPA · Dec 11, 2004

Ours does the same thing from time to time. It was kinda hard too figure it out, till I realized that when the TV gets turned on thats when it happens. Ends up the monitor and the TV are on the same curcuit even though they're in seperate rooms. Check and see if you have anything on the same curcuit that when turned on, causes the problem. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

JerryG · Dec 11, 2004

I have another computer on the same circuit, but I don't think that the TV is on the same circuit.

sendero · Dec 11, 2004

This is one of those problems that can be hard to pin down, but here is a guess.

When you say "flashing", I assume you mean the screen goes blank for a time or goes to "gibberish".

This can happen when the monitor is having a hard time "tracking" the scanning frequencies you are throwing at it. The fact that another monitor does the same thing might mean something and it might not. If, for example, it is the same "model" of monitor, then it might show the same behavior.

You might try this: go into Settings->Control Panel->Display->Settings. Turn "down" the resolution. In other words, if you are running 1024x768, try 800x600. See if the problem goes away. Of course, you might not want to run at the lower res, but it might be your only option. But do look on the Settings dialog for an Advanced button. If there is one, you might be able to select a lower screen refresh rate and solve the problem that way.

MossRoad · Dec 12, 2004

If two different monitors do the same thing on that one computer, the problem is most likely the video output of the computer. It could be getting hot... the first thing I would do would be to shut down the computer, unplug all power and powered accessories, open the case and see if it is dusty inside. Sometimes a good cleaning is all it takes. Check to see that all of your fans are working, too, and that the rear of your computer is open to air circulation.

JerryG · Dec 12, 2004

The monitor looks like it does when you turn it off, when it flashes. It goes completely black.
Moss, I have dusted it, but never thought to check to see if the fans were working. I will check that out.

frank_f15 · Dec 12, 2004

one other thing u might want to check, is the cabel itself. sometimes an older cabel or bad connection can cause such problems.

JerryG · Dec 12, 2004

I will try switching the cord. Thanks everyone.

MossRoad · Dec 12, 2004

<font color="blue">one other thing u might want to check, is the cabel itself. sometimes an older cabel or bad connection can cause such problems. </font>

Being in the I.T. field for a few years, I'm stll amazed by the stories from users about their "posessed computer" when it is really their feet stepping on the power cords. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy · Dec 14, 2004

Another problem might be APM... some ( most? ) versions of APM.. especially th early ones, and on some dedicated and embedded systems, were flaky.

Check the APM, and any other sleep or slumber/snooze or autopowerdown settings.

Soundguy