Windows 8 Strange Issue with desktop flashing on and off

davidvkimball

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Location
Seattle, WA
Strange Issue with desktop flashing on and off

My friend's laptop is having a strange issue where the desktop flashes on and off with the theme color.

I did a virus and malwarebytes scan, and found nothing.

I turned off all startup programs except a few.

It seems to work fine in Safe Mode, however.

Here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pXMqmvZhhw

Does anyone know what this issue is and how to fix it?

Let me know.

Thanks,

David
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4790K Haswell Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z97-A LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GTX750TI-OC-2GD5 GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP
    Sound Card
    NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VG248QE Black 24" 144Hz 1ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD 3D and 20" 2009m HP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 and 1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Intel 730 Series 2.5" 240GB SSD (OS + programs) WD Blue 1 TB HDD: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM (personal files)
    PSU
    Antec HCG M Series HCG-620M 620W ATX12V
    Case
    AZZA Solano 1000 Black Japanese SECC Steel/Metal mesh in front MicroATX/ATX/Full ATX
    Cooling
    Fans. Everywhere. (but they're surprisingly silent)
    Keyboard
    HP USB keyboard, 6 ft cable, Height: 1.1 inch, Width: 6.3 inches, Length: 17.3 inches
    Mouse
    HP USB mouse, 6 ft cable,
    Internet Speed
    36 Mbps download, 6 Mbps upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender + MalwareBytes
Hi davidkimball,

At first glance, I'm suspecting a graphics' driver/card issue but I could be wrong. In any event, could you check the Event Viewer logs to see if there are any entries being logged that are "time-coincident" with the flashing? If some are found, please post a few examples. However, if none are found, do you have an extra monitor you could try?


my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Hello David,

In safe mode, the graphics driver (and many other drivers) are disabled. According to you, it seems to work fine in safe mode. Therefore, we have good reasons to think that it might be (I'm not absolutely certain) related to graphics driver. Try downloading and installing the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion g4
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1 GB Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500 GB HDD
Hello David,

In safe mode, the graphics driver (and many other drivers) are disabled. According to you, it seems to work fine in safe mode. Therefore, we have good reasons to think that it might be (I'm not absolutely certain) related to graphics driver. Try downloading and installing the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.

It seems to work fine in Safe Mode

@Arpan: I did miss that. Good pickup on your part.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion g4
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1 GB Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500 GB HDD
Silverlight as a factor?

Hey, so I'm the friend. There was a Silverlight update that ran just before this issue started. Would that have anything to do with the problem?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Hey, so I'm the friend. There was a Silverlight update that ran just before this issue started. Would that have anything to do with the problem?

Hello rbrewster,

I cannot say conclusively that Silverlight could be the definitive cause of your issue but there is one easy way to find out. Just uninstall it and see what happens. Good luck,

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
I am also having a very similar problem. I am using the same computer as the one in the video and am using a nvidia graphics card. Unfortunately, safe mode does not seem to help my computer. The desktop will load, but as soon as I try to do something, the desk top refreshes and flickers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I have the same problem with my Dell Inspiron 15r. I am currently running fine in safe mode. This problem first came up a few months ago and I recall finding a "solution" online but it is back and I haven't found anything to fix it. The PC shop said yesterday that I picked up a couple trojans a few months ago and they seem to have been reactivated. They removed the trojans but the problem persists. Apparently I have hundred of files that are corrupted so the best thing for me is to do a clean install. Unfortunately, I get errors when attempting either a refresh or reset via Windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 15r 5521
What I did may be a bit extreme bit Windows Refresh completely fixed the problem. The downside to this is that it deleted about 300 gigabytes. If all else fails, this is a good solution.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Every time the window flashes it pulls this forum threads to the bottom of the threads and I can't read the top threads. I tried to hold the scrolling bar but that doesn't last very long and I'm pulled to the bottom again.

That's one problem with the flashing screen. The other problem is it prevents letters from being typed, so I end up with unintelligible statements. I have to make many correction in anything I type.

Does anybody has any success in getting rid of this problem?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Deleting Silverlight did not solve my problem.

The screen is still flashing and I'm still having problem typing.

Last time I received a Bio firmware 3521A12 from Dell that fixed the problem but after couple of auto updates this problem is back.

This 3521A12 no longer works.

So I'm still not sure if this is a Window 8 problem or a Dell problem.

Any help will be highly appreciated

Thanks,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Thank goodness this problem is solved.

I don't know how but I just had an update and that must have fixed it.

Anyway, thank you so much for fixing this problem, and making my life a little more wonderful to be.

:dinesh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Darn, spoke too soon

Well, good things don't seem to last.

After my Dell (Inspiron 3521) decided to crash from some unknown driver issue, it restarted with the FLASHing problem again,

I wish we can get a permanent solution to this problem.

I so enjoyed the no-flashing life, just wish it could be permanent.

Can somebody HELP ???
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Crossing my fingers this time...

After an update last night the problem disappeared when I started my laptop.... Wow, is this permanent....

I waited all day just to make sure this is not another mirage... so far the window has stayed fixed not flashing... So this maybe for the keeps this time around.

Well, I'm going to enjoy this no-flashing life as long as it last... so to whomever made this possible : You are God sent and thank you so much for making this possible.

:thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Grrr... My no-flashing life only lasted a few weeks, until the recent window update took it away.
Now I'm back missing letters when I type and have no moments of peace with the constant flashing....

Can anybody help me???? My paradise lost and my misery re-started again.....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Grrr... My no-flashing life only lasted a few weeks, until the recent window update took it away.
Now I'm back missing letters when I type and have no moments of peace with the constant flashing....

Can anybody help me???? My paradise lost and my misery re-started again.....

I work at a computer repair shop and have seen this issue multiple times.
It has been difficult to work out for sure what causes it, and the fixes seemingly random. Listed below are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1: Run a full MalwareBytes scan in safe mode with networking, then reboot.

2: If that fails, try a system restore to a know good point.

3: The only way I know to fix this issue is by performing a Windows Refresh installation; though this method will remove all of your programs, (you'll keep your data).

Good luck, don't let it frustrate you too much; there's always a way!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    4670K
    Motherboard
    SABERTOOTH Z87
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance 1866MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 780Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 24" 1080p
    Hard Drives
    2 x OCZ Vector150 240GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair Professional Series HX750
    Case
    Fractal Design - Define R4
    Cooling
    beQuiet! DarkRock Pro 2
    Keyboard
    Corsair Vengeance K70 w/ Cherry MX Blue
    Mouse
    Mad Catz R.A.T. 3
    Internet Speed
    40Mb/s
    Browser
    Chrome/Opera
    Antivirus
    Common Sense
This time I'm sure the problem comes from Windows 8 systems. Because every time I get a Window 8 update, the flashing problem comes back.

Just wish there is a permanent solution to this problem,

Since the problem came back I haven't been able to use my laptop like I used to for the past month.

It's not only annoying, it's quite inconvenient as well. Just typing this post took 15 min since I have to do it in between flashes and make many corrections.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Not sure if you got this fixed but we spent all weekend trying to fix the same problem. Tried everything
we could think of. Virus scans, uninstalling recent updates, reloading drivers, etc. No luck. Then, strangely, we uninstalled Norton 360
and the problem is gone. We put a new antivirus on it. Not sure if that would help you
or not, but just had to pass it in. :) Good luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
I got rid of Norton too a long time ago.
Use Avast now.
Much better than Norton IMO.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
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