Screen Blackout

  • Thread starter Thread starter Willie
  • Start date Start date
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Willie

Windows XP Home. Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop. After being up for 30-60 minutes
the screen suddenly goes dark (there is a ghost image). If I shut the cover,
then reopen it and press the power button the screen comes up without loss of
info. Once it's happened the frequency of blackout becomes more rapid--every
5 minutes or so. Help! At least to this point I haven't lost data.
 
A professional technician can tell you which applies in your case:

1- failing power supply
2- defective cooling fan
3- defective screen
4- malfunctioning video
 
I had something similar on a desktop computer, and the fix was to replace
the video card.

In the case of a laptop, the video may be built-in to the motherboard, and
so replacing it can be more of a chore. That is, the entire motherboard
might need replacing. However, it is also possible that the video RAM can
be replaced separately form the video chip/card.

But, before doing anything drastic/expensive, try cleaning the air inlets
and exits and then try running the computer on a flat, hard surface (desk or
table). If you are lucky, the problem might be as simple as overheating.

Good luck.
 
Willie wrote (in
Windows XP Home. Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop. After being up for 30-60 minutes
the screen suddenly goes dark (there is a ghost image). If I shut the cover,
then reopen it and press the power button the screen comes up without loss of
info. Once it's happened the frequency of blackout becomes more rapid--every
5 minutes or so. Help! At least to this point I haven't lost data.
Click to expand...

That sounds an awful lot like a power saving function of the laptop (or
application). It should be configurable; check your manual under power
management.

Does it do that when you’re actively using it? Can you bring it back just by
pressing some keys? Do you have a power-saving application running?
 
Willie wrote (in news:D[email protected]):
Another thought: It could be caused by overheating, dust, or maybe a loose
connection. Try holding the laptop up, with the display’s screen facing the
ground. Gently shake it a bit and see if the screen goes blank. If it does, then
that’s your problem; it’s not a laptop, it’s an Etch-a-Sketch.



Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
 
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