I have a UNIQUE computer problem

[Magikal]

My PC display in terms of Windows Xp and Windows 7 has the left side of my screen slanted/bent backwards a bit. Instead of the straight-across flawless display I am supposed to have. I've troubleshooted using different monitors, two CRT's and two LCD's, I've used different hard drives, moved the PC to different rooms in my apartment, and as far as display adapters are concerned I am using Intel extreme graphics 2. Which Windows 7 tells me is up to date as the latest driver for Intel on board graphics.

This issue occurs in Safe Mode as well, and with my Gateway e-4100 and e-4610 desktops respectively. My theory at this point is two things...my on board graphics chip is faulty. But would that be the case with many different PC's? I've also purchased different e-4100 units in the past and am still having this same issue. It started way back at the start of April this year. So I am looking to get a new graphics card.

My second theory is something in my building or outside of it is interfering with my VGA signal. Now I've always thought PC's were built to block out any sort of interference like that. And all of my cables have ferrites on them. I don't have any magnets near my PC either. Nothing magnet intensive like a Microwave, and I don't own a stereo system, which has magnets. My flat-screen t.v. is in the living room. The bedrooms have a 30 inch Sharp brand color t.v., and an RCA 32 inch High Def t.v. Yet in both bedrooms, this issue persists. I live almost in the heart of New York City, so I am not in some backwoods area where all kinds of stuff gets set up and causes signal interference. I have digital cable, not satellite. So 3 boxes are in my house. No dish. Two boxes are generic cable company brand they gave me with my service. One in the bedroom is a Samsung.

I've also plugged up my PC in the hallway of my building on my floor. And still, have the same issue. So in the case of it possibly being a signal issue, is there anything I could purchase to block any signal interference to my monitor's VGA cable? Also what Intel drivers are connected to the on-board graphics system specifically? Maybe something just needs to updated. Anyone know what may be the issue here? Thanks for any answers!

 

[Digital Life]

Have you tried adjusting the settings on your monitor, Not the settings on the computer but the monitor its self

 

[paulpicks21]

Have you tried adjusting the settings on your monitor, Not the settings on the computer but the monitor its self

I doubt that would be the issue seeing as he has tried 4 different monitors whilst troubleshooting.

Edit : That is one strange issue though.

Could you borrow a discrete gpu to test it out?

 

[Anak]

My PC display in terms of Windows Xp and Windows 7 has the left side of my screen slanted/bent backwards a bit.

There should be settings in your monitor on screen display (OSD) that adjusts the horizontal/vertical edges of the generated display to match the edges of the monitor. The setting would actually bow the side of the display in towards to center of the monitor or out beyond the edge.
I tried looking for a manual to help describe it, but I need more than "Gateway e-4100 and e-4610".

"Back in the day" with the smaller monitors I used to play with those settings to try and get the display to match up with the edges of the monitor. It would take some time because it would throw out the horizontal and vertical edges and mess with the total size of the display or you'd have to correct the side to side or top to bottom alignment.

You'd get one adjustment then have to fiddle with one or two more to straighten things out. Do you have children? They learn from example and it would be possible to copy mommy or daddy.

I live almost in the heart of New York City, so I am not in some backwoods area where all kinds of stuff gets set up and causes signal interference.

Hey! I resemble that remark

If you think for one moment your safe in NYC, I have a Bridge for sale, its in Brooklyn crossing the East River.

 

[Magikal]

Have you tried adjusting the settings on your monitor, Not the settings on the computer but the monitor its self

I've tried that six ways to Sunday. It didn't help. The mysterious bend is still there.

 

[Magikal]

My PC display in terms of Windows Xp and Windows 7 has the left side of my screen slanted/bent backwards a bit.

There should be settings in your monitor on screen display (OSD) that adjusts the horizontal/vertical edges of the generated display to match the edges of the monitor. The setting would actually bow the side of the display in towards to center of the monitor or out beyond the edge.
I tried looking for a manual to help describe it, but I need more than "Gateway e-4100 and e-4610".

"Back in the day" with the smaller monitors I used to play with those settings to try and get the display to match up with the edges of the monitor. It would take some time because it would throw out the horizontal and vertical edges and mess with the total size of the display or you'd have to correct the side to side or top to bottom alignment.

You'd get one adjustment then have to fiddle with one or two more to straighten things out. Do you have children? They learn from example and it would be possible to copy mommy or daddy.

I live almost in the heart of New York City, so I am not in some backwoods area where all kinds of stuff gets set up and causes signal interference.

Hey! I resemble that remark

If you think for one moment your safe in NYC, I have a Bridge for sale, its in Brooklyn crossing the East River.

....No offense meant. It's just illustrating I don't live in an area where jerks mostly pitch towers, and other crazy electronic stuff that screws up frequencies and signals. I had my settings set very well previously. This problem just appeared one day in early April. And it spread across all monitors. So it's either a strange frequency/signal interference issue, or the on board graphics chip is faulty.

 

[Anak]

....No offense meant.

None takin' That's why I stuck my tongue out.

It's just illustrating I don't live in an area where jerks mostly pitch towers, and other crazy electronic stuff that screws up frequencies and signals. I had my settings set very well previously. This problem just appeared one day in early April. And it spread across all monitors. So it's either a strange frequency/signal interference issue, or the on board graphics chip is faulty.

This is no offense to our resident members from India, but, you should feel lucky you don't live there.
It is to my understanding, it is just the way things are.

This is how NYC was back in 1900


Can you remember back to that time in April, what happened?

• Did a new neighbor move in?
• Did you move to a new domicile?
• Were there Utility crews mucking about?
• Do you know if there are any HAM operators locally?
• If you are close to the NYC harbor was there a change in the Coast Guard frequencies? You'd have to contact them to ask. This is a google link: https://www.google.com/search?num=5...t8t7gA6PIgMgE&ved=0CCoQvwUoAA&biw=768&bih=462 It should give you contact #'s to call. The US Navy will just ignore you. Politely.
• Did Mayor Bloomberg change any security frequencies? Contact the Mayor | NYC.gov
• Any new buildings that have shot up? refraction can be difficult to track down.
• Until you check the above, have you tried a system restore?
• Have you tried a Tin Foil Hat for your monitors?, don't laugh, I use one on my speakers to cut down on the interference from our wi-fi, that may at least see if you are receiving interference. The foil will block it.

I'm kinda' runnin' outta' ideas......................................

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

...This issue occurs in Safe Mode as well, and with my Gateway e-4100 and e-4610 desktops respectively. My theory at this point is two things...my on board graphics chip is faulty. But would that be the case with many different PC's? I've also purchased different e-4100 units in the past and am still having this same issue. It started way back at the start of April this year. So I am looking to get a new graphics card.

I'm ready to agree. Here's one suggestion: Borrow a vid card from someone you know. The Big Apple must be full of people who have a spare vid card laying around. Nothing bigtime. An old nVidia card someone salvaged from something they were tossing out. Install the current drivers and check with your current monitor. Check with two or three, if necessary. Good display will equal vid card issue. Bad display will equal time to start making a tin foil hat. Either way, however, you'll need to check if the vid cards in all those units are the same brand. What's the difference between the 4100 and the 4610 models? I bet they use the same vid... Could be something interferring with that specific type of card for a very specific reason that affects no other cards that you've witnessed.

 

[Magikal]

....No offense meant.

None takin' That's why I stuck my tongue out.

It's just illustrating I don't live in an area where jerks mostly pitch towers, and other crazy electronic stuff that screws up frequencies and signals. I had my settings set very well previously. This problem just appeared one day in early April. And it spread across all monitors. So it's either a strange frequency/signal interference issue, or the on board graphics chip is faulty.

This is no offense to our resident members from India, but, you should feel lucky you don't live there.
View attachment 277519View attachment 277520It is to my understanding, it is just the way things are.

This is how NYC was back in 1900
View attachment 277529

Can you remember back to that time in April, what happened?

• Did a new neighbor move in?
• Did you move to a new domicile?
• Were there Utility crews mucking about?
• Do you know if there are any HAM operators locally?
• If you are close to the NYC harbor was there a change in the Coast Guard frequencies? You'd have to contact them to ask. This is a google link: https://www.google.com/search?num=5...t8t7gA6PIgMgE&ved=0CCoQvwUoAA&biw=768&bih=462 It should give you contact #'s to call. The US Navy will just ignore you. Politely.
• Did Mayor Bloomberg change any security frequencies? Contact the Mayor | NYC.gov
• Any new buildings that have shot up? refraction can be difficult to track down.
• Until you check the above, have you tried a system restore?
• Have you tried a Tin Foil Hat for your monitors?, don't laugh, I use one on my speakers to cut down on the interference from our wi-fi, that may at least see if you are receiving interference. The foil will block it.

I'm kinda' runnin' outta' ideas......................................

I was always told to keep aluminum foil away from PC's as they can create a charge of some kind. I do have some people doing work in the area but it's not major. Just clearing some rooftops, and across the street from me the people haven't been back for like weeks now. It's the usual demolishing a small building and building something else. But I don't see why that would affect my PC. There's no heavy duty machinery involved.

I accounted for a neighbor in back of me with a satellite dish but dishes are built to block any interference causing, and plus I moved the PC all the way to the other end of the house. Far away from my neighbor in back. The issue was still there. No new buildings have been built in the area. We've had new neighbors, but unless they're smuggling medical equipment, I don't see how they could affect my PC this way with anything standard. System restore was done when issue first started, and didn't work.

I've lived in this apartment for 6 years now with no issue like this ever. If it is frequency related, I need to know if there's something I can buy to solve the issue. Like maybe a cord I can attach to my VGA cord and then plug into the PC. I thought about switching to a DVI, but I don't have the DVI type of plug in back of my PC that can be used with a VGA adapter. Mine doesn't have the four dots and the dash in between. Other than that, I have a JATON 82208N/V2 VIDEO 208PCI-128TV 128MB LOW PROFILE PCI VIDEO GRAPHIC CARD that I might buy to solve this issue.

My PC is not a gaming PC so I just need a card that can do browsing, watch movies, youtube videos, and regular stuff like check email or surf message boards and handle the avatars and such. I am a strictly console gamer.

 

[Sub Styler]

Just to clarify:

The issue exists over multiple displays
The issue exists over multiple computers
Both computers have the same graphics adapter
Magnetic Interference has largely been ruled out by location changes and absence of high EMI equipment.
This is not something that can be tweaked out via the on screen menu of a CRT.

If all the above is correct you are looking at either:

1. A GPU fault that has been duplicated...

If running the latest drivers, try searching for an older driver for testing.

2. Some unheard of cable fault (overheated in the past and lost sufficient insulation between internal strands)

Try a different VGA cable.

3. What ANAC said above!

Do what ANAC said above.

Testing with another GPU has been mentioned and would confirm the fault lies in the GPU's which I believe are on-board.

 

[Sub Styler]

• Have you tried a Tin Foil Hat for your monitors?, don't laugh, I use one on my speakers to cut down on the interference from our wi-fi, that may at least see if you are receiving interference. The foil will block it.

I was always told to keep aluminum foil away from PC's as they can create a charge of some kind.

Tin foil around an EMI producing device will reflect the interference back inside and could potentialy lead to a significant positive charge. Putting it around a non EMI producing device will help shield it.

PC's should not be giving out a significant amount of EMI as the manufacturers have long been governed by radio interference regulations.

Foil around cables. I would
Foil around speakers. I Would
Foil around Monitor. I would NOT (mainly because of thermal insulation)
Foil around Desktop. I would not. Theoretically not a problem but I would rather have any EMI leaving the chasis rather than bouncing around inside causing potential BSOD

 

[Magikal]

• Have you tried a Tin Foil Hat for your monitors?, don't laugh, I use one on my speakers to cut down on the interference from our wi-fi, that may at least see if you are receiving interference. The foil will block it.

I was always told to keep aluminum foil away from PC's as they can create a charge of some kind.

Tin foil around an EMI producing device will reflect the interference back inside and could potentialy lead to a significant positive charge. Putting it around a non EMI producing device will help shield it.

PC's should not be giving out a significant amount of EMI as the manufacturers have long been governed by radio interference regulations.

Foil around cables. I would
Foil around speakers. I Would
Foil around Monitor. I would NOT (mainly because of thermal insulation)
Foil around Desktop. I would not. Theoretically not a problem but I would rather have any EMI leaving the chasis rather than bouncing around inside causing potential BSOD

My vga monitor cable has a ferrite though. To protect against interference I guess. So should I wrap a little bit of foil around the wire part after the ferrite or before it?

 

[Sub Styler]

the ferrite, is a magnetic loop to stifle any magnetic interference from traveling down the cable, a VGA cable will already be shielded internally, there is no point in wrapping it in foil, sorry that was a general do's and dont's to clarify on the tin foil point.

Although the monitor idea would be ok for a short period to see if it helps, just dont leave it wrapped or your monitor will overheat. About 5mins will be fine.

A Ferrite (magnet) wont repair a degraded signal though, have you tried multiple VGA cables or are all these tests from the same cable?

 

[Magikal]

the ferrite, is a magnetic loop to stifle any magnetic interference from traveling down the cable, a VGA cable will already be shielded internally, there is no point in wrapping it in foil, sorry that was a general do's and dont's to clarify on the tin foil point.

Although the monitor idea would be ok for a short period to see if it helps, just dont leave it wrapped or your monitor will overheat. About 5mins will be fine.

A Ferrite (magnet) wont repair a degraded signal though, have you tried multiple VGA cables or are all these tests from the same cable?

Each of my monitors have their own vga cable so yes I have used different cables.

 

[DavidE]

Can you take one of your PCs to a friends house that is not in your neighborhood and test it there?

 

[FuturDreamz]

Does your computer support digital video output? that would rule out interference.

 

[Anak]

Thanks Sub Styler I learned something today about tin aluminum foil and computers, and for the thread synopsis it helps to keep things on track.

Magikal, it sounds like you're entertaining the idea of using the foil on your monitor, be alert and no longer than the 5minutes like Styler suggested.

David's tip about taking one of the PC's to an entirely different location is a good one.

FuturDreamz tip had me looking to see if your Intel extreme graphics 2 does support DVO and I came up with this:


Source: http://download.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/14xug.pdf

If you see it listed, you have it. If you don't, you don't.

Also:
Graphics — Troubleshooting TV connections to computer

Graphics — Intel® Graphics And Televisions FAQ

 

[Magikal]

In order to have a digital display, I'd have to buy a whole new monitor. My DVI socket on my pc tower is DVI-D.

 

[Anak]

This is frustrating, and I can see you've been at it longer:

At my wits end! Hope someone can help! - Geeks to Go Forums

Is it Windows or my PC? | Windows Secrets Lounge

After reading through those two threads, your theory about the bad graphics chip might be true. I believe you said in one or both you bought the machines from Ebay?

That got me to thinking about dried out thermal paste, and I couldn't find anywhere that anyone mentioned about testing for a bad Motherboard (MB).

You could use Prime95 to test the MB to see if it can handle the stress, and heat, I can point you to it, but I don't know much about it because I've never used it.

Here's some documentation: Prime95

If you decide to go with the Jaton card install (Support) don't forget to go into the bios and disable the on board graphics, and personally in my humble opinion, I'd stay away from Ebay.

If it's not too late return those units and deal with a local computer shop.

 

[Golden]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html