Windows 7: Dell Inspiron M5010 Big Time Screen Issue?

This is kind of hard to describe. I was playing rFactor last night and all of a sudden, the screen just went crazy. Almost like your trying to watch TV with rabbit ears. The screen is all garbled, almost like it has been mirrored 6 times across the screen. I am in the process of saving stuff over(takes forever trying to read it) and am going to try a complete system reinstall. Would anyone have any idea what this issue is?

Hi taz1458,

Try using the laptop with an 'external monitor'; this will help us to isolate if the issue is related to the LCD. If no 'external display' is available, you may run 'LCD BIST (Built-in Self Test) also; it runs independent of the 'Operating system' and 'GPU' and tests only the 'LCD'. To run 'LCD BIST' you may use the following steps:
- Power off the laptop > Press and hold 'D key' on the keyboard while pushing the power button > Release both keys at the same time
You may refer to the following 'web article': How to Run the LCD Built-in Diagnostics - KB Article - 272002 | Dell

If the test passes (LCD behaves normally) during the test, you may need to update/re-install the 'graphic drivers'. To update the drivers of 'ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250' GPU click Driver Details | Dell United States (Compatible to Windows 7 64 bit)

If the issue persists, you may also try re-installing the drivers. To reinstall the drivers, you may find the following steps useful:
- Click 'Start icon' > Type 'devmgmt.msc' (without quotations) in 'Search Programs and Files' > Click 'Search Result' to open the 'Device Manager' page > Expand 'Display Adapters' > Right click and uninstall 'ATI related device' and 'uninstall' (Also uninstall the software is prompted) > Follow through with the uninstall > Restart the computer > Click Driver Details | Dell United States to download and install fresh drivers > Check performance again

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings; would be glad to assist.

Dells... you gotta love'm

In all seriousness, it seems like your drivers may have taken a little detour, or perhaps you were playing the game not in the native resolution? perhaps going into SAFE MODE and uninstalling the video drivers can help you clean up the issue. As soon as you restart, win 7 will install generic drivers so you need to go to the Manufacturer and download their latest drivers and install those instead

Well I completely reinstalled windows 7 and it did not help at all. Any ideas?

Hi taz1458,

Thank you for the reply.

If you continue to experience 'display issues' even after re-installing 'Windows', it could be a possible 'LCD/Motherboard failure' (If not a missing/corrupt display driver).

1. Please check 'Device Manager' to verify and share the status of 'display adapters':
- Click 'Start icon' > Type 'devmgmt.msc' (without quotations) in 'Search Programs and Files' > Click 'Search Result' to open the 'Device Manager' page > Expand 'Display Adapters' > Check if 'ATI related device' is listed and is clear (should not have a yellow mark besides it).

2. As suggested in my previous post, you may try using the notebook with an external monitor, if available. If the 'display' on the 'external monitor' is good, it indicates an issue with the 'LCD failure' and may need replacement. If the external display also appears garbled, it points at the 'ATI graphics' in the system and may call for the motherboard replacement (As the Display Adapter is soldered to the motherboard)

3. If no external display is available for testing, you may want to run 'LCD BIST' (Built in self test); runs independent of the 'Operating system' and 'GPU' and tests only the 'LCD'. To run 'LCD BIST' you may use the following steps:
- Power off the laptop > Press and hold 'D key' on the keyboard while pushing the power button > Release both keys at the same time
You may refer to the following 'web article: How to Run the LCD Built-in Diagnostics - KB Article - 272002

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings; glad to assist.

None of that worked.

Hi taz1458,

Thank you for the response.

Would like to know the findings from the steps I shared with you in my previous post; is vital for understanding and resolving the issue.

1. Please share the status of 'Device Manager'; need to know if any device is listed with a yell mark. (A screenshot will be of great help)
2. Also mention if you tried using the system with an external display. If yes, share results.
3. Results of 'LCD BIST'

Do reply with the observations; will take it forward from there.

I was told from dell it's the motherboard. External display does the same thing. Can't do the diagnostic cause I can't read anything.

Hi taz1458,

Thank you for the response.

Quote:

This is kind of hard to describe. I was playing rFactor last night and all of a sudden, the screen just went crazy. Almost like your trying to watch TV with rabbit ears. The screen is all garbled, almost like it has been mirrored 6 times across the screen. I am in the process of saving stuff over(takes forever trying to read it) and am going to try a complete system re-install. Would anyone have any idea what this issue is?

If the issue persists with an external display, it indicates an issue with the motherboard. Re-installing Windows may not be useful.

If the system is in warranty, please let me know. Will check the support options available. If not in warranty, you may want to purchase a motherboard and replace it yourself (if comfortable); else contact a local technician or a friend who could do it for you.

I can also share the system's service manual for detailed steps on parts replacement, if required; do reply if you have any further questions. Glad to assist.