This is a really weird problem with my display

[MrCoffee]

Every so often, when I lock my computer (not turning it off, just locking windows) and return to it, the display is sort of garbled. It's hard to describe...everything is there, but the text looks like a bad copy of a bad copy, lines are chopped, and the whole thing looks fuzzy.

When I restart the computer, the display is back to normal.

It doesn't happen every time I lock the computer. It seems to happen more frequently if I lock the computer for a long period, a half an hour or more.

It's happened on two different monitors. I'm just wondering where the problem might be, does this sound like a video card problem, or a problem with the connector for the monitor plug, or some sort of weird Windows display issue?

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Could be a problem with the video card driver?

Do you know if it's up to date?

[MrCoffee]

5. Updates are pushed as determined by the powers on high

It's a work computer (it really would have helped for me to mention that in the OP). I have no way to update the drivers myself (we can't dowload/install anything).

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

2. Is your video...

...on a separate card or on the motherboard?

[MrCoffee]

4. I don't think it's separate (this is a work computer)

I'm almost certain the video is on the motherboard.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. In general...

...admin rights are required to modify drivers, install applications...

It seems you need to call the support staff and have them investigate or grant you admin rights to troubleshoot on your own.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

8. You should also verify that monitor cable has a good connection.

If you have a spare, try swapping the cables.

[CK_John]

3. Review setting time for video to turn off, switch to screensaver mode and

hard drive shutdown. Determine how they effect or perform while in shutdown. Here is a reference for types of shutdown that may provide a clue.

<http://kb.iu.edu/data/acdt.html>

[MrCoffee]

6. So I tried to access Power Options through Control Panel...access denied

They don't trust me to change me own settings.


I thought to change the "Turn Off Monitor" in "Power Schemes" to "Never", but alas, I don't have the power to change my power settings.

[CK_John]

9. Time to call IT and prepare a work order. nt