Member Avatar for Dbznut

I've got a older monitor (it's most likely pre-2000, or close to) and when I first power it on, it fragments. The cpu information and windows version screens turn choppy, and seem to move up the screen. It also emits a high pitched whistle. Both problems disappear when:
A:I turn the screen power switch off, then on,
Or B: As soon as the GUI desktop first appears.
What's the problem?

P.S. When I shut down my computer, I leave the screen power switch on and usually flip the 6-plug outlet I'm using off. (Yes, silly, I shut down the CPU first.) I've tried turning the screen switch off, and it doesn't change.

Thanks for any help you can give!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

Dani AI

Generated

Quick summary and a practical plan: the behavior describes (visual breakup on initial power‑up plus a high‑pitched noise that stops after cycling power or once the desktop appears) strongly suggests an intermittent fault inside the display rather than the PC itself. and have already outlined the big-picture choices. Below are safe, step‑by‑step checks to confirm the fault, precautions to avoid danger, and sensible next steps.

Try this in order:

  • Swap in a known-good monitor on the same PC, and plug this monitor into a different PC. If the problem follows the monitor, it is the monitor.
  • Replace the video cable and try any alternate video connector available (VGA/DVI/HDMI) to rule out a bad cable/connector.
  • Open the monitor’s on-screen menu (OSD) while the artifacting occurs; distortion in the OSD indicates the problem is internal to the display.
  • Test on a different wall socket (not the same strip) and avoid toggling the mains to the whole strip while the computer is powered—use the monitor’s own power switch for controlled cycles.
  • If you ever smell burning, see smoke, or the cabinet gets very hot, unplug immediately.

Safety and repair notes:

  • Because the unit is vintage, it may contain components that store dangerous charge or high voltages. Do not open the case unless you know what you’re doing; take the unit to a qualified repair shop if you want it fixed. Ask the shop for a diagnostic quote first so you can weigh repair cost against replacement options.

Practical decision points:

  • If the monitor is purely sentimental or a specialty vintage piece, repair can be worthwhile. If you need reliable daily use, plan for replacement and keep a spare display for critical work. When you take it for repair, give the tech the exact symptoms, when they occur, and the behavior after power‑cycling so they can reproduce the fault quickly.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Rik_

The screen has what's known as a "dried cap". That means that 1 or more of the electrolytic can type capacitors has died. You can spot them fairly easily if you feel up to taking it apart as the tops usually dome up and/or they leak fluid. Capacitors are cheap to buy and quite easy to replace provided you can solder. Have a google for pictures domed capacitors to get a better idea of what to look for!

Member Avatar for Dbznut

Erm... Is it safe to let it be?

Member Avatar for Rik_

That's a difficult one to answer. It might carry on like that for years or it could stop working tomorrow.
They are not particularly difficult to replace though, I have replaced caps in well over 100 lcd screens!

Member Avatar for Dbznut

Another question, now that I think about it, is Just how vital is this piece. It's been doing this for quite a while...
And there isn't, say, a fire risk, is there?

Member Avatar for Rik_

The fire risk is minimal. The monitor will be protected by several fuses.

Member Avatar for rubberman

I think Rik has this spot-on. Either replace the monitor (flat panel displays w/ similar or better resolution than your old CRT are pretty cheap today), or roll up your sleeves and replace the caps that are failing, or just keep on like you are until it lets the magic smoke out and you have to fix/replace the unit. Myself, I'd probably opt for the latter, being a lazy sod! :-)

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