X20 Screen dicolouration/Graphics problem?

Hi

I have a Samsung X20 and have been having problems with the screen. Initially when I would move my cursor around a blue streak would follow it like I was using paint.

I looked at a few forums which suggested I reinstall my ATI drivers. They asked me to delete the driver first. I did this and my screen was fine, however everytime I have tried to reinstall the driver from Samsung or ATI, it says that my computer is not compatable.

This did'nt worry me so much until recently when my screen started playing up again. When turning my computer on my whole computer screen filled with flashing symbols. Now it has small lines running down the length of the screen. They look somewhat like mini barcodes and vary in colour depending on the background colour.

I have phoned samsung and they say they have never heard of this problem. When I phoned Digicare (samsung after warranty repair centre) they told me I need a new motherboard (314 quid). I doubt this is correct because the woman I spoke to didn't seem to know what an ATI card was.

If anyone could give me some advice I would be extremely grateful, as I have no idea what to do!

If anyone wants some screen shots drop me a line.

Thanks

 

Sometime in the past I've had problems with lines running right across (or down) the screen which was caused by a problem with the screen cable's connection to the motherboard. It might be worthwhile trying to locate that connector (it may be under the keyboard) and reseating it.

Notebooks are better than they used to be at staying together, but a couple of years of opening and shutting and moving can start to loosen up connections. Has your X20 been living a mobile or a static life?

John

 

My computer is mostly used at home on a desk, however it does get moved around now and then. This morning when I turned my computer on it started on 4bit resolution, when trying to change back to normal nothing happens.

How would I go about checking the connecter, is it likely that something more could go wrong by attempting this. Or do you know how much this might cost?

Thanks

 

Is your problem similar to this one (not yet solved)?

Checking the connector will involve keyboard removal which is described in this thread. I would just propose that you disconnect / reconnect all the cables between the display and the main board. While you are there you should clean the fan as well.

John

 

Thanks for your reply John!

The problem doesnt sound the same. The lines I get usually take up rectangular segments (from top to bottom) of my screen. They are thin (1-2 pixel) lines. They kinda look like bellow:

lll lllll lll llll ll lll ll l lllllll llll llllll ll l
lll lll ll l l lll ll llll ll llll llll lll ll llll l

Running all the way down my screen, I have no idea what the flashing symbols are when I start up my computer. I will give your idea a shot.

Any extra hints or tips before I do it so I don't completely screw my computer up?

Thanks again!

 

That type of pattern is weird. I haven't come across anything like it before so maybe my theory is wrong.

Do you have access to an external monitor? It would be useful to connect to one and see whether you get the same patterns. If so, it is a software or motherboard problem rather than internal display or cables.

John

 

I don't suppose there is any way to connect it to another laptop? You have to excuse my ignorance as I am not that savvy with these types of things!

Thanks

 

No, you can't connect to another laptop's display. You need to find a stand-alone monitor as used with a desktop computer. Or some LCD TVs include a computer monitor input.

John

 

So you don't think taking the keyboard off will help?

 

I would first test with an external monitor. However, keyboard removal will also give you the opportunity to clean out the muck from the inside.

John