Video flashing sign of larger problem

Q: I am writing regarding my computer. After I turn it on and log onto the Internet-or not even the internet, just using it period-the screen starts flashing black. It will start out with just a few lines on the bottom before it flashes completely in and out and then it will flash until we log off or shut the whole computer down. Sometimes when we turn it back on it will be ok but usually not so. Sometimes we get lucky and it will stop flashing for about ten minutes but then it’ll start up again. Could you help me out with this problem?

A: This reminds me a lot of the issue I addressed last week with a broken Internet connection. You know you have a problem but you don’t know what is causing it.

Much like debugging that broken Internet connection you are going to have to start by testing each potential problem one at a time.

I would start with the computer monitor itself. If you have another computer in the house, take the monitor from that computer and plug it into the computer that is having the problem. If you don’t have a second computer, you might ask a neighbor if you can borrow their computer monitor. If that fixes the issue then you will probably need a new monitor.

As a side note, most computer repair shops won’t touch a monitor. They will be the first to tell you that it is more cost effective to buy a new monitor than it is to repair a broken one.

If you still experience the flashing problem with the new monitor, try swapping out the cable that connects your monitor to your computer. Again, you might have to lean on a neighbor for help with obtaining the cable. If this fixes the issue, you have a bad video cable and will just need to order another one from the manufacturer or from a computer parts supplier.

If neither the monitor nor the video cable is the problem, your problem most likely lies with the video card itself. This is the part in the back of your computer that the video cable plugs into. Unfortunately, this one is a little harder to test since most people do not usually have a spare video card lying around. Your best bet is to purchase a brand new video card and replace your current video card with the new one. If it fixes the problem, keep the new video card; if it doesn’t fix the problem, package the new video card back up and return it to the store.

If you go this route make sure you talk to the salesperson to get a video card that matches your computer configuration. Both ATI and nVidia offer a wide selection of video cards so you should be able to find the one without too much of a hassle.

This post was originally broadcast Friday, March 30, 2007 on Tech Talk with Noobie, a weekly radio show on WCBK 102.3 FM in Martinsville, Indiana. Tech Talk with Noobie airs every Friday between 11:30 a.m. and noon. If you have a question you would like Noobie to answer on the air, simply e-mail your question to .