Video Troubles: Horizontal lines

Hey guys, I just got my laptop back after being repaired for 1 month and 3 weeks. According to the report, my systemboard, gpu, and cpu were replaced.

I am getting some horizontal lines across my screen randomly whenever I start a video or 3d application or some sort. This doesn't occur always, kind of random. It's happening more in Windows XP than in Vista. Anyone know what it is?

For example, in windows Vista. I open an image and it opens windows image viewer. I quickly get lines like the images for a few seconds then it goes away.

 

WOW. I'm sorry to tell you that you may have a virus on your computer. Do a virus scan with the latest virus definition update right away! You may also check your graphics card! It might be broken. Your screen may be damaged too! I strongly suggest you call technical service hotline right away and get this issue solved right away! Remember to escalate the issue and talk with a manager!

 

...you're kidding, right?

And why do you end EVERYTHING you say with exclamation points? I promise you, what you say is not that exciting.

jessi3k3: It looks like graphics card corruption, although I can't rule out the actual display either. Not a virus, unless there exists a virus that specifically attacks displays and nothing else, and exists simultaneously in XP and Vista. >_<

 

most likely your graphics card is dying. it could also be the screen. definitely not a virus

 

On a note of optimism, this can sometimes happen if the technician fails to properly plug in the video cable that leads from the motherboard to the back of the LCD. If this is the case, then the fix is relatively trivial - the chassis needs to be opened up and the connection needs to be plugged in securely.

At least the (near) concensus here is that it isn't a software-related issue, and depending on your warranty status, it may need to be handled through the manufacturer. Hopefully you're documenting this process, in case you find yourself filing complaints about your laptop/services in the future.

 

It cant be a virus. They reimaged my harddrive and I had to reinstall Windows XP again (it came with vista).

Yea, i've still have warranty. I bought 3 year warranty with this laptop (in my sig) and it expires Feb 2010. I'll call them up today and let them know they need to fix this. I think you're right Relativity, though Im not brave enough to open it on my own and check it out. Unfortunately I'm afraid that they'll be "repairing" it for another month and a half when school is just around the corner.

I've got pictures and video reproducing this for sure.

P.S. Nobody buy a Toshiba. Worst CS ever.

 

Dell Customer Care would like a word with you.

 

I'm wondering can't this be a faulty screen instead of been a faulty graphics cards?

usualy with a faulty graphic card the whole display is distorted, not only half of it.

 

Faulty GPU for sure. Old model GPU's are always like that...

 

very true.
I called tech support and it would have cost me $40AU just to talk to someone. thanks a lot toshiba.