Screen keeps dimming to black when I open or close programs

[lyphe]

I've had an issue for 3-6 months that I assumed was an o/s bug from an update that would get fixed in a future update - but it still seems to be here.

It's sporadic - but what happens is that my monitor will dim to black and then come back after a few seconds. Typically it happens when I close explorer or open a new program. It's not specific to my main computer since my little side computer ( both run W7 ) has also started doing it.

Anyone know if there is a fix for this and what it is related to? Thanks in advance!

 

[benjy206]

Are you using the both computer on the same monitor?

 

[lyphe]

Nope, two completely separate computers and monitors.

 

[benjy206]

Did you install any software applications upon this happening?

 

[lyphe]

Nothing new, nope.

It felt like it coincided with a windows update a while ago. Of the two computers I have, one never gets anything installed on it since it's for gaming and I keep it ultra clean and lean. I use the second computer for day to day stuff.

I just remembered as I was writing this, that I also experienced this once or twice on my laptop at work. So I have to believe it is something W7 related.

It's worth noting that none of the computers are networked and I never share any info or files between my work system and home systems, so it's unlikely to be anything passed from one to the other. The only common links are W7 as my o/s and mcafee as my av.

Anytime it begins to act up in this random way, I usually reboot and it'll go away for a week or two before returning. Very very weird.

 

[benjy206]

Hmm very strange indeed. So Mcafee is your av on all computer. how long do you have this installed on your pc?

 

[lyphe]

Mcafee, for several years.

 

[Sir George]

Mcafee, for several years.

AV programs can cause unexpected problems. Try replacing Mcafee with a free alternative, such as; Avira or Microsoft Security Essentials. As a suggestion, create a system image before making any significant changes to your system, so you can easily go back if things don't improve or get worse.

HTH