Computer Screen

[rsvp]

I have an old (7years) Dell pc which up to quite recenetly hasn't given me much bother. For the past couple of weeks the screen has started to flicker badly and break up - it goes into lines and all sorts of funny things. Lasts about thirty seconds usually then is okay. Is it on the blink do you think. To my knowledge I haven't altered anything. Am on wi fi btw.

[The Builder]

First simple thing to try is to disconnect the video cable from the PC and the monitor, and reconnect it. Or wiggle it a bit to see what happens. It's often a bad connection

[rsvp]

thank you The Builder - had a look at the back (not sure what the video cable looks like so wiggled all of them) you may well be right as when I touched one of the connections going into the monitor the whole screen went off. Wiggled it a bit and it is now back on. There was also a load of paper resting on the cables which couldn't have helped. Will see how it goes, Stay well.

[Hypognosis]

Monitor cable often fitted with a pair of screws to anchor it in place and prevent accidental disconnection.

The graphics card and the monitor likely both do not take kindly to plugging in or unplugging while powered up.

At least one pair of pins carries +/-5V while the others carry digital data at micro voltages. If you reach around the back of the box to plug in, cannot see what you're doing, shuffle the plug around until it fits the D socket, you will eventually touch a 5V pin onto one of the data pins and, potentially, cause damage.

7 year old machine, long out of warranty so no harm in opening up the case and checking that the graphics card and motherboard are free of dust. Use anti-static precautions while dislodging dust with brushes and don't use rip-roaring vacuum cleaner power near delicate components.

[rsvp]

hypognosis - many thanks, at the moment all is well and I'll be keeping fingers crossed I don't have to do anything too complicated - will keep your very clear(thank you for that) suggestions in reserve. stay well

[galeck1947]

The computer you say is 7 years old it sounds like the on board graphics card is on the way out . I would try another monitor but it has all the makings of the graphics card. You can fit a replacement one which plugs into the motherboard at a reasonable price no need to fit an expensive one .See your computer shop for one that is entry level which will do all that you need.

[rsvp]

I guess what I really have to do is to decide whether or not to replace my pc with a lappy - have been thinking about it for a while. However, your suggestion has given me another option galeck1947, many thanks for that. Stay well