A final idea for my screen flicker issue. I'm running out of time.

I entered Media Direct and mirrored the desktop to an external monitor. It did not seem to flicker. I'm not 100% positive. It was boring as all get out staring at the Media Center menu for 10 minutes waiting for a flicker.

When in Windows, the screen will flicker when I either:

1. mirror to an external monitor
2. check [X] Extend my Windows Desktop to this Monitor and disconnect the monitor.
3. check [X] Extend my Windows Desktop to this Monitor and use the monitor.

The local LCD and the external LCD flicker for about 1 second. Not at the same time, but they both flicker. Random as far as I can tell.

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I clean installed XP Media Center when I got the laptop from the Dell DVD.

I have used Omega drivers, Dell drivers and ATi X1400 mobility drivers with and without Catalyst.

I have used 3 different external monitors.

I have spent hours on Dell chat.

I have tried 3 different electrical outlets.

Dell has sent a tech to replace the video card; it made no difference.

This E1505 is the replacement for my first E1505 which suffered a total VGA out failure.

The best they will offer me now is to send the laptop in for "special Depot" repair where they swear they will fix the problem. I have a three year next day at home warranty. First, It's Jan 3rd, I need the laptop and can't be without it for 1-2 weeks. Second, it's a new laptop and they are pretty much trying to turn it into a refurb. They don't know what it is. I don't know what it is. I would not care, but I need this laptop to do live Powerpoint on large projection screens, so, the flicker is a killer.

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1. I'm thinking about re-installing Windows XP Pro. I don't like Media Center anyhow. Something is different about it. The Windows Explorer is less stable and it takes minutes to shut down. Any chance this will fix it? Since Media Center "maybe" did not flicker, it might be a windows issue? I should boot into Media Center one more time just to make sure.

2. If I re-install Windows XP Pro and it still happens, I want Dell to send me a new laptop. Is this reasonable? I got my first E1505 in late November, they replaced it, and now I'm having issues with the replacement. I just want a good working computer out of the box.

 

sorry if this bothers you but try downloading Catalyst 6.12,it's one of the best versions around and has fixed many bugs.
Also,Try flashing your VGA bios to the lastest.
Don't you have problem with a defective ground connector?
If you have this will be annoying.

 

I have Catalyst 1.2.2516.38896 and the driver is 8.321.0.0.

I've used Omega, Dell and ATi drivers and the problem is the same with all of them.

 

Knock on wood. hnoes

Option #1 seems to have fixed it. Clean installed XP Pro (with Dell video drivers) and it's rock solid so far.

I didn't like Media Center Edition anyway. Too many process, the windows explorer was flaky, it took forever to shut down. It was not a nightmare, just, XP Pro seems a lil' tighter or something.