Laptop display troubles
March 2, 2011 5:10 PM Subscribe
Laptop display problems when plugged in
My laptop's monitor just started spazzing out while the power cable was connected. (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfY4A8gQ1bE)
It flashes terribly when plugged in, but works normally when unplugged. I don't know the cause and I don't think I did anything to cause this. A solution suggested by a quick Google search suggest a grounding loop, but my AC adapter doesn't have a ground. I'm baffled.
My laptop's monitor just started spazzing out while the power cable was connected. (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfY4A8gQ1bE)
It flashes terribly when plugged in, but works normally when unplugged. I don't know the cause and I don't think I did anything to cause this. A solution suggested by a quick Google search suggest a grounding loop, but my AC adapter doesn't have a ground. I'm baffled.
Response by poster: GeckoDundee: It's some variety of Toshiba Satellite. But that sounds like a much better explanation than the grounding issue, because this happens no matter where I'm plugged in.
posted by LSK at 6:25 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by LSK at 6:25 PM on March 2, 2011
Have a look for something like nvidia optimus or similar which lets you switch between graphics processors. If you have something like that you should be able to get the laptop to run on the on-board graphics even when the power is plugged in. That will let you rule that in or out as the source of your problem.
Another thing that's worth checking of course, is to plug in a different charger if you can find one.
posted by GeckoDundee at 6:42 PM on March 2, 2011
Another thing that's worth checking of course, is to plug in a different charger if you can find one.
posted by GeckoDundee at 6:42 PM on March 2, 2011
Response by poster: Update: It didn't happen while booting the computer or in safe mode and now isn't happening at all. Odd.
posted by LSK at 7:02 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by LSK at 7:02 PM on March 2, 2011
Response by poster: Aaand now it's happening again, after the computer's been on for around 30 minutes.
posted by LSK at 7:37 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by LSK at 7:37 PM on March 2, 2011
Sounds like it's getting hot. Blow the dust out of it and see if that helps at all.
posted by wierdo at 7:20 AM on March 3, 2011
posted by wierdo at 7:20 AM on March 3, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
If there was a problem with the graphics card it might look a bit like that. (It would also explain the slight delay between unplugging the power and the problem going away).
posted by GeckoDundee at 6:23 PM on March 2, 2011