Get Rid of a Vertical Line on a Computer Monitor
Usually, there is not much to notice about your monitor until something goes wrong. That's either a testament to the reliability of monitors across the manufacturer spectrum, or it means monitors get upgraded when computers do, so they never have time to wear out. Either way, when lines start appearing in your display, there is little you can do apart from some troubleshooting to determine if you do in fact have a monitor problem or there is another cause.
Instructions
1. Check the cables. It might be overly simplistic, but if your monitor is connected via a serial cable, one of the pins might be bent or missing. This can cause slight display problems, including a vertical line. If you are using a USB, try another cable and see if the problem persists.
2. Update your video card driver. Some discrete cards have an update feature in the properties window for the device. Right-click on your video card in the programs list, and select "Properties." The update will be a button under the "Drivers" tab if your device is so equipped. If not, visit the manufacturer's website and search for the most current driver for your model number. Updated video drivers could solve the problem.
3. Place a box fan directly behind your computer's intake vent for extra cooling. Sometimes if there are system problems, your components can run too hot. If cooling the computer takes away the line, you know have you an overheating problem, not a monitor problem. You might try cleaning the internals with canned air. Remove the housing, and thoroughly blow any dust, hair or carpet fiber away from the fan and off the mother board. While you're there, you can check to see if there are any obvious loose connections.
4. Connect the monitor to another computer if you have one available. This is probably the most definitive test of your monitor's health. If you have a line when the monitor is connected to a different machine, it's likely time for a new monitor. As frustrating as it sounds, taking apart one of today's monitors in an attempt to repair it is more expensive than buying a replacement.
5. If you don't have another computer available, try shutting down the computer but leave the power on to the monitor. Using the buttons on the monitor bezel (if you have them), call up the settings. If the line appears in the menu just as it did in the video from your computer, then you definitely have a monitor problem. Replacement is probably in order.
Tags: monitor problem, your monitor, your video card, another computer, Computer Monitor, have monitor
