About half an hour ago, my computer screen started flickering. It'll flicker for about 10 seconds, then stop for a minute, and then pick up again. Anyone know why it's doing this? I ran a virus scan--no viruses. We just had a bad thunderstorm, however, and it had extreme lightning, would that do it? My mother's computer, which is only a room away, doesn't seem to be having troubles. Please tell me that it isn't my actual computer-I have too many files to have them deleted

TIA-Kelly

It seems, unfortunately, like it is your hardware. A surge from a lightning storm would definitely produce such an effect. However, the good news is that if you're not experiencing problems other than with your monitor, your motherboard, processor, and hard drives are (hopefully) saved.

Now for the bad news. The problem lies with either your computer monitor or your video card. While these are easily replacable and will not destroy any existing data on your hard drive, they are the most expensive parts of a computer to replace.

Since your mom's computer is in the next room, ask her if you could borrow her monitor. Plug her monitor into the back of your computer and see if it works. If it does, with no problems, you know the monitor was fried by the storm. Contact the monitor manufacturer if it's under warranty. Otherwise, you'll have to shell out the bucks for a new monitor, and just simply plug it in. (nothing to configure).

If this doesn't fix the problem, I'm willing to bet it's the video card. Let me know if you don't have any experience opening up a computer case and testing video cards.

Everything was hooked up to a surge protector though; would it still be able to fry it?

TIA-Kelly

I have a surge protector on my house as well as one hooked up to all the electronics equipment in my room. I've still managed to fry a computer as well as a television due to a surge from a power outage. I guess some electrical storms are just too much for surge protectors.

However, this goes without saying, it could have been much worse, had there not been a surge protector. So they most certainly are far from useless.

The problem with surge proctectors is we don't buy good enough one and we don't buy a new one often enough ,they are blocking spikes all the time and are only good for so many spikes and a good surge !!

I'm a monitor repairman (among other things). Let's start wth a few questions:

* Problems vary with brand & model. Please specify.
* Is the monitor a CRT (like a TV) or an LCD (like a laptop)?
* Have you tried the monitor on a different computer?
* Have you tried a different monitor on this computer?
* Is it flickering "in color" or is does it shift in brightness without changing color?
* Does the problem affect the whole screen, or is it visible in bands/streaks?

It's unlikely that a surge caused a problem, but let us know the answers.

hi

unfortunately, i dont have any answers to your query, however, I am having the same problems but under different curcumstances.

My screen seems to have a constant (non stop) horizontal flickering. I have a hunch as to whats wrong, so I was hoping someone might be able to help.

I recently decorated my room and had to store my computer elseware, upon re conecting everything, I realised that one of the small clylinders on the moniter connector on the back of the tower was missing, therefore I was unable to screw in one of the screws on the moniter adapter.

I didnt think that this was a problem (i thought it was just for holding it in place - i guess not), but after getting the problem and trying out a different monitor, i came to the conclusion that it must be, could someone confirm this for me.

and if it is this that is causing the problem, is it fixable, or do i have to fork out money i dont have for a new video card (i was hoping i might just be able to buy a new connecting cylinder thingy).

thanks
Damian

You can by replacements at COMP USA

The loss of this item is not usually a functional problem. The hardware that you are describing is known as a standoff, and is generally used to hold the video card's backplate to the VGA connector and as a means of securing the monitor cable/plug to the system; the integrity of the connector is rarely compromised this way, but missing hardware should always be replaced. Any decent computer shop would have a spare one in their hell box, or they come in pairs (take the one that's left along with you for a match). Also, I would use a 3mm star lockwasher under each standoff for proper retention in the future--and don't over-tighten them (the Voice of Experience speaking).

What is most likely is that in the manipulation of the cables and moving the system you managed to partially dislodge the video card from the socket. I would try reseating the card before going any further. I doubt that it's damaged--a monitor cable has a lot of leverage, and can easily pry a board partially out of its socket, even if properly secured. Make sure that the screw-tab sticks out from the bracket at a right angle. If it's bent, that's one indication of the problem.