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    Inspiron 1720 - grid pattern with frozen screen

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Vidya, May 22, 2008.

  1. Vidya

    Vidya Newbie

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    Hello,
    I have a Dell Inspiron 1720 with Vista Ultimate on it. It has Intel core 2 duo 2ghz and memory is 3gb. I bought it in Dec 2007. During random times, the machine freezes with a grid like pattern on the screen. The only way to get out of it is to press and hold power key to hard-boot. I have searched the forum if this is addressed, couldnt find. Dont know if it is nvidia, network, power supply or any driver related. So, here it is. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks
    Vidya
    ps: I have attached a picture of this.
     

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    Vidya, May 22, 2008
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  2. The_Observer

    The_Observer 9262 is the best:)

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    I have seen this with a loose LCD cable and when it was near to an inverter.
     
    The_Observer, May 22, 2008
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  3. rainking1978

    rainking1978 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Isn't it still under warranty?
     
    rainking1978, May 22, 2008
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  4. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi Vidya,
    It appears that you might have a faulty video card. I would suggest pressing F12 at boot, choosing diagnostics, and testing the video card. Please call Dell support and I'm sure they'll be happy to replace the video card.

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, May 22, 2008
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  5. Vidya

    Vidya Newbie

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    Gabe,
    I did the diagnostics as you suggested. The video card test came out as "pass". I think I should call Dell. I hope I dont have to sit on the support line for hours...
    Rambo,
    You mentioned something about this happening if it is near an inverter... Can you explain? When you say loose LCD cable - does Dell fix this?
    Thanks
    Vidya
     
    Vidya, May 23, 2008
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  6. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi Vidya,
    There are cases where the video card works well enough to pass the diagnostics. I'm sure that Dell support will still replace it because it impairs its use. Also, the inverter RAMBO29 is talking about is actually part of the LCD screen. It sits directly underneath it and regulates the power to the screen. The cable runs from the back of the LCD and directly to the video card. In either case, the only thing that could be really done, without a technician, is to reseat the video cable. However, I would strongly recommend calling into support to have them walk you through it.
    Based on my experience, I would have to believe that a video card would resolve your issue. Being that the computer works fine and randomly distorts in a grid pattern, the cables are probably fine. Usually, the LCD won't work at all if the cable isn't seated right (or perhaps it might blank out every now and then). Dell support will probably walk you through reseating the cable as part of the diagnosis. However, I'm sure that the end diagnosis will be the video card.

    Hope this helps,
    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, May 23, 2008
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