LCD?
Posted on 08/31/2025 3:22:07 PM PDT by Zionist Conspirator
Requests for advice and help with computer issues seem to produce more jokes than anything else, but I'm wondering if someone here who is more tech-savvy than I am can help me.
I had a rectangular Dell monitor for a long time and it did great, until eventually the text and images began (I don't know what to call it. Bleeding? Ghosting?) rightward across the monitor. I am not talking about light spots around the edges of the monitor, nor am I talking about some sort of reflection following moving objects. I simply mean that, text or picture, there is a shadow coming out of whatever is on the monitor to the right of my computer screen (as I am facing it).
This became such a problem that several months back I tried to replace it. I tried a good square monitor from Dell, but although this particular problem was absent the texts and images were way too small, and to enlarge them distorted the screen. So eventually I found another large rectangular Dell monitor that, while not brand-new, was newer than the one I had been using.
At first it worked beautifully, but it didn't take long for the same problem to crop up, though I noticed that it seemed to come and go. Even during a single session on the computer, these distracting images would lighten and disappear, only to come back later. Right now it is worse on this newer screen than it was on my old one.
Why is this happening? Why did replacing the monitor with a newer one do no good? Why do the inferior smaller square type monitors not have the same problem? Is it a physical, hardware problem, or one than can be fixed by adjusting the settings?
Before coming here I did a DDG search using various terms (such as the above "bleeding" and "ghosting") but they seemed to be describing other problems, such as light spots around the edges or afterimages trailing after moving objects. This has nothing to do with that. It's just that everything on my monitor--my desktop, the various Windows and browser links, any and all pictures and all text--seem to cast a very distracting shadow rightward of the actual objects. As a matter of fact, for the first time ever I am noticing a dark (not black, but darker than the rest of the background) vertical column on the left side of my monitor along with the usual problems.
Is this a problem with Dell, with rectangular screens, or what? Why didn't replacing the monitor fix it? (I mean, the smaller square monitor fixed that particular problem but it was simply unsatisfactory.)
Does anyone know what is going on???
Oh, and yes, my computer is plugged in.
I recently got a pretty newish Dell computer from my brother. It is small-footprint, and as a result, or consequence, will not accept any add-in cards. It has, as its native video output, two HDMI connectors. I have, in an old box of cables, 2 qty HDMI cables. This computer worked TWO WEEKS ago. I can’t get video out of it. At all.
I will say without hesitation that HDMI is by far the worst connector design ever conceived by mankind. There is no mechanical support, no strain relief, no means of retention. The connector really does not extend far into the socket even when “fully” inserted.
I have not fixed this problem yet, but I’m gonna say with 75% certainty, the problem is with the HDMI connection, most likely the (a) HDMI cable. .
As to the cable, I think that the cable is part of the monitor (though I could be wrong; I'll check). As for the card, I don't have the slightest idea how to open a computer, much less look for or replace a card.
The computer is pretty old. I bought it used seven years ago, and I think the date when it comes on says 2016 (to check I'd have to reboot and lose this text). The thing is, it was actually a business computer and was supposedly worth much, much more than I paid for it. And it has lasted the longest and offered the least trouble of any computer I've ever owned. Of course, support for Windows 10 is ending soon, and I'll have to deal with that (way too much on my plate right now and money is the tightest it's ever been). But I can always consult with my bro-in-law or the people at the place that sold it too me. Unfortunately I'm not a member of Geek Squad. If (or when) I get another computer I'll want all my stuff put on it, and I don't know how to do that either.
At any rate, the problem right now (merely cosmetic though it is) is more distracting than it's ever been (before Windows even loads the computer logo bleeds rightward across the screen). And there is still the fact that this never happened with the unsatisfactory smaller screens.
Thank you all, and if anyone else has any other suggestion, please add it!
Can you post a screenshot?
Unfortunately, I don't know how to do this, and probably don't have the equipment for it.
Don’t get me wrong, I have 2 Dell laptops and love them. But Dell would not be my first choice for an external monitor. I prefer Acer monitors. My first one lasted 13 years before it got a bit squirrely. I bought a 27” Acer earlier this year for $150, and it’s spectacular. Don’t mess with refurbished.
Could be a ghoin the machine. I have heard of such things.
‘The Occasional Acid Flashback ‘
The Dude.
.
You should have a choice to either take a screenshot of your entire screen or only a portion.
To protect your privacy, I would suggest only taking a screenshot of the problem area.
If you're satisfied with the screenshot, save it first, then upload it to a photo hosting site.
Then share it here on FR.
If you want to.
1. Replace the cables.
2. Replace the graphics card.
Make sure both are compatable with the monitor.
I can do everything you suggested except posting it on a picture hosting site. I've never done that before and don't know of one to use.
If you don't know how to take a screenshot and you "don't have the equipment for it", how are you going to follow any instructions on how to fix the problem?
This requires some work on your part.
Unfortunately my computer sits on a huge, heavy old desk shoved directly against the wall and it’s way to dark back there to get the monitor information the site asks for. I am also in poor physical shape.
No it's not talk like a pirate day.
Remove and reinstall graphics drivers, update if available.
Remove and reinstall graphics drivers, downgrade if recently updated.
Remove inspect and clean cable connectors, reconnect.
Laptop, blow out vacuum all ports and or open case, clean out dust. The video chip may be running hot.
PC/desktop,blow out vacuum all ports and or open case, clean out dust. Clean and remove and reseat video card.
Since there have been multiple monitors tried the issue is most likely the computer, video card video settings, video drivers.
keep good notes on what you have done you will need them....
Some good news. Shaking the cable at its connection to the monitor has lessened the problem a great deal. If I were able to maneuver myself so I could unplug it and then plug it back in again, I might come as close to fixing this problem as I can!
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