Reference number: CH000242

Distorted or skewed image on monitor.

Issue:

Distorted or skewed image on monitor.

Cause:

This issue can occur from any of the below possibilities.

1. Windows issue.
2. Loose or defective cable.
3. Refresh rate issue
4. Interference.
5. Bad monitor.

Solution:

Windows Issue

If your monitor has a proper display until it gets into Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP please see document CH000121 for software or setting related issues.

Loose or defective cable

You may receive a distorted image when the cable is loose or defective. Disconnect the video cable going from the back of the computer and verify that no pins are bent, burnt or broken. Once verified re-connect the monitor cable.

Refresh rate issue

If the refresh rate is not properly set the monitor may have a wavy or an appearance that lines are going down or across the monitor slowly or fast. This may also cause a flickering affect.

Additional information about how to change the refresh rate can be found on document CH000558.

Interference

A distorted image can be caused by magnetic or other types of interference. Verify no speakers, fans or other magnetic devices are close to the monitor. 

Bad Monitor

If the above possibilities have been checked it is likely that the monitor is bad. To verify this it is recommended that the monitor be temporarily disconnected and then connected to another computer. This can be a friends computer, a work computer, and/or a computer at a service center. You can also help verify a defective monitor by connecting another monitor to your computer.

Note: Connecting your possibly defective monitor to another computer will in no way harm the other computer. 

Additional buying tips for purchasing a new monitor can be found on our buying tips page.