Lenovo 1664, 1938, 1962, 1942, 1837, 1782 Monitor problems, Wrong characters appear on the screen

Page 69

Monitor problems

Note: Many monitors have status-indicator lights and built-in controls for adjusting brightness, contrast, width, height, and other picture adjustments. However, the controls vary from monitor type to monitor type. For information about the status lights and using the controls, refer to the documentation that comes with your monitor.

Select your symptom from the following list:

“Wrong characters appear on the screen” on page 59

“The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank after some period of computer inactivity” on page 59

“The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank when you start some application programs” on page 59

“The image appears to be flickering” on page 59

“The image is discolored” on page 60

Wrong characters appear on the screen

Symptom: Wrong characters appear on the screen.

Action: Have the computer serviced. For details, see Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 69.

The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank after some period of computer inactivity

Symptom: The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank after some period of computer inactivity.

Action: The computer is probably set for energy savings with the power-management feature. If the power-management feature is enabled, disabling it or changing the settings might solve the problem.

If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Diagnostic programs” on page 67 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 69.

The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank when you start some application programs

Symptom: The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank when you start some application programs.

Actions:

Make sure the monitor signal cable is securely connected to the monitor and the monitor connector on the computer. A loose cable can cause intermittent problems.

Verify that the necessary device drivers for the application programs are installed. Refer to the documentation for the affected application program to see if device drivers are required.

If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Diagnostic programs” on page 67 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 69.

The image appears to be flickering

Symptom: The image appears to be flickering.

Chapter 10. Troubleshooting and diagnostics 59

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Contents ThinkCentre User Guide Second Edition October Copyright Lenovo Contents Appendix A. Notices Important safety information Service and upgradesStatic electricity prevention Extension cords and related devices Power cords and power adaptersPlugs and outlets External devicesHeat and product ventilation Operating environment Modem safety informationPower supply statement Cleaning and maintenanceLaser compliance statement Viii ThinkCentre User Guide Product overview FeaturesColor temperature adjustment System management featuresInput/Output I/O features Power supplyPreinstalled operating system Preinstalled software programsSpecifications Software overviewSoftware provided by Lenovo ThinkVantage Password Manager Product RecoveryLenovo ThinkVantage Tools Lenovo WelcomeAdobe Reader Antivirus software Locations Front connector, control, and indicator locations Rear connector locations Locating connectors on the rear of your computerConnector Description Adjusting the computer standMachine type and model label Machine type and model labelThinkCentre User Guide Frequently asked questions Using your computerUsing the keyboard Using Windows shortcut keysUsing a fingerprint reader Using the blue ThinkVantage buttonUsing the wheel mouse Adjusting audioSetting the volume from Control Panel Setting the volume from the desktopUsing CDs and DVDs Adding the volume icon to the taskbarHandling and storing CD and DVD media Playing a CD or DVDRecording a CD or DVD Color temperature adjustment Using the single-touch and multi-touch featureUsing the single-touch feature Using the multi-touch featureSwitching to RGB adjustment Selecting a pre-defined color temperatureMaking brightness adjustment Red-adjustment Green-adjustment Blue-adjustment ExitUsing your computer ThinkCentre User Guide You and your computer Accessibility and comfortArranging your workspace ComfortGlare and lighting Air circulationElectrical outlets and cable lengths Replacement power cords Voltage-selection switchRegister your computer with Lenovo Moving your computer to another country or regionThinkCentre User Guide Security Security featuresUsing passwords Bios passwordsAttaching an integrated cable lock Setting the fingerprint reader Windows passwordsUsing and understanding firewalls Protecting data against virusesThinkCentre User Guide Installing or replacing hardware Installing or replacing hardwareInstalling external options Replacing the wireless mouse Replacing the wireless keyboardOpening the battery compartment Obtaining device drivers Closing the battery compartment coverRecovery information Creating and using recovery mediaCreating recovery media Using recovery media Performing backup and recovery operationsPerforming a backup operation Performing a recovery operation Using the Rescue and Recovery workspaceClick the Restore your system from a backup icon Creating and using a rescue medium Using a rescue mediumCreating a rescue medium Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device drivers Reinstalling preinstalled applicationsReinstalling preinstalled device drivers Reinstalling software programs Reinstalling device driversSolving recovery problems Recovery information ThinkCentre User Guide Using the Setup Utility program Starting the Setup Utility programViewing and changing settings Power-On Password Password considerationsAdministrator Password Hard Disk PasswordSelecting a startup device Enabling or disabling a deviceSelecting a temporary startup device Selecting or changing the startup device sequenceExiting from the Setup Utility program Using system programs Updating flashing the Bios from a discUpdating system programs Click Downloads and drivers Updating flashing the Bios from your operating systemUsing System Update Preventing problemsKeeping your computer current Getting the latest device drivers for your computerBasics Computer Cleaning your computerKeyboard Optical mouseGood maintenance practices Cleaning a glass-screen surfaceMoving your computer Basic troubleshooting Troubleshooting and diagnosticsTroubleshooting Troubleshooting procedureNo audio in Windows Audio problemsCD problems Sound comes from one external speaker onlyNo audio in DOS applications or games DVD problems CD or DVD does not workBlack screen instead of DVD video No audio or intermittent audio while playing DVD movie DVD movie will not playPlayback is very slow or choppy Invalid disc or no disc found messageIntermittent problems Keyboard, mouse, or pointing device problemsAll or some keys on the keyboard do not work Mouse or pointing device does not work Wireless keyboard does not workPointer on the screen does not move smoothly with the mouse Fingerprint reader does not workMonitor problems Wrong characters appear on the screenImage appears to be flickering Networking problems Ethernet problemsImage is discolored Your computer cannot connect to the network Wake on LAN feature is not workingClick Start Control Panel Click Hardware and Sound Adapter stops working for no apparent reasonWireless LAN problem Wireless WAN problemBluetooth problems An option that was just installed does not work Option problemsSound does not come from the Bluetooth headphone An option that previously worked does not work nowClick Disk Cleanup Performance and lockup problemsInsufficient free hard disk drive space Click Start ComputerPrinter problems Serial port problemsExcessive number of fragmented files Software does not work as expected Software problemsDiagnostic programs USB problemsRunning the diagnostic program from a diagnostic disc Creating a diagnostic discLenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox PC-Doctor for DOSGetting information, help, and service Using the documentation and diagnostic programs Help and serviceCalling for service Lenovo Support Web sitePurchasing additional services Using other servicesThinkCentre User Guide Appendix A. Notices Trademarks Export classification notice Appendix B. Regulatory informationTelevision output notice Electronic emissions noticesIndustry Canada Class B emission compliance statement Additional regulatory information ThinkCentre User Guide Appendix C. Weee and recycling information Important information for the European Directive 2002/96/ECRecycling information ThinkCentre User Guide Index Optical mouse cleaning Password Administrator Considerations Page 0B03427