Single-pixel Lines in Dell Inspiron Screen?

[Kelly_g]

As a bit of backstory, I've never worked hands-on with a laptop before. Somehow, I ended up with one as my primary computer. Please save the 'lolz get a real computer' comments until after you've given your expert opinions.

Recently, some vertical lines have appeared in the screen. It has not been bumped, jostled, thrown, or dampened. It's a very spoilt little machine.

I don't have a spare monitor to test for a screen problem, but I might be able to jack a friend's when he gets back from vacation.

As far as I can tell from previous experience, I think the video card may be going. To be honest, I'd be much happier if that were the case, since I imagine screens are much more costly.

Has anyone else ever had this happen? Does anyone have any idea what's up?

 

[The_Other_One]

If you can, you might as well check with an external screen for good measure. However, it's not all that uncommon for such lines to occur with LCDs. You probably have a loose connection, or even a short somewhere. It could even be a failing monitor.

Laptops are totally different than PCs so I don't really suggest diving into it if you don't know much about the machine. However, if you have nothing to loose, you might want to see if you can remove the monitor bezel and find the contacts. Be sure everything is snug. Also check around where it connects to the system board and be sure nothing's loose around there. It might not be the safest option, but wiggling the wires while the machine's running might help too(just to check for shorts)