Random rapid screen flicker

Martin1937

Member
Member
Messages
13
I'm trying to figure out why my monitor screen flickers, like it is having convulsions, from one window to another...it happens for about 5-30 seconds at a time randomly throughout my work day..and can occur when I am browsing, typing in outlook, or typing in word. I have switched monitors, cables, and it still occurs. The problem occurred with a previus laptop (ACER using windows 7) which crashed in Nov. It is now happening again with a new Lenovo desktop using windows 8.1. I bought a new backup battery and that didn't make a difference. I changed outlets and that didn't make a difference. Any thoughts?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Is the common denominator the building where you use the Laptop? Does it not happen when using only battery power? I'd suspect some kind of power problem in the building if the above assumptions are correct. If not... never mind. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Thanks for your suggestion. Actually I am now using a Lenovo desktop computer for three months following the crash of my Acer laptop in November. The same thing is happening now with the desktop computer as was happening with the laptop. Crazy, random image shake...back and forth flashing the open windows...extremely rapid so that you see. I live/work in a house. I have the computer connected to a backup battery...just got a new one... I switched yesterday from one outlet to another...but that didn't seem to make a difference.... there are also little unstable things I am seeing with various programs, such as not being able to open the browser when using outlook and clicking on the browser icon (chrome) in the task manager, or perhaps in some internet site and wanting to go back to Wordor Outlook and clicking on the icon in the task manager...these are random things and I can't get a grip on why happeniing....


Is the common denominator the building where you use the Laptop? Does it not happen when using only battery power? I'd suspect some kind of power problem in the building if the above assumptions are correct. If not... never mind. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
I would start looking at building power, if it is happening with different units. Get a Kill-a-volt or use a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter) to check what the voltage is at that outlet. You can call your power company, and they will actually check the incoming power to the meter, and also check inside the building at the Main panel.

If they find a bad or corroded Neutral from the Power Pedestal or Pole drop, they will fix it to the meter. If they find the problem is from the meter to the panel, then it is up to the building owner to hire an electrician.

If you do not know how to use a DMM to check for voltage, there are videos on Youtube to show you how to use it. Just be careful if you decide to check at the main panel. There is 120 vAC at each Leg, and can be more then 100 amps on each leg, depending on incoming power.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Thanks for the suggestion...I had googled and regoogled the problem, and only yesterday found a reference to the possibility that speakers could be causing the problem...i have had the same old speakers (ungrounded) for many years....i unplugged the speakers and so far there has been no repetition of the flicker/shake issue....i am keeping my fingers crossed....and if that resolves the problem, then I will be a happy writer. It's been disconcerting to have screen convulsions occur randomly throughout my work day...and it may have contributed to my laptop crashing last november....anyway...thank you for your suggestion...I will follow up on it if the speaker disconnect doesn't resolve the issue...but now, in this workday so far, no repetition...we'll see, and I'll report here for the record.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Hope that's all it is. Thanks for posting the cause. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Alas....i"ve had two "shakers" today .... grrrrr.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
I've had similar problems a long time ago , it was electrical interference from another source , in my case it was someone running something unshielded outside my house.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Memory
    6 GB
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    12 TB in 6 disks
    PSU
    TX650
    Keyboard
    G15
    Mouse
    Intellimouse 3.0
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbits
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Trend Micro
Spikes from a neighbor's electrical usage? I guess anything is possible. I have the computer and monitor plugged into a cyber power backup battery...with surge protector....so am unsure how it could be an electrical issue....just had another shaker for about 20 seconds while in Outlook and about to reply to somebody's email....wondering if it could be some malware or trojan or whatever they call them that has gotten into my data since this happened with a previous computer (that crashed) and now is happening with the Lenovo desktop I bought as a replacement in November....Windows Defender scan doesn't turn up anything though...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Cyber Power UPS are the worse ones. Get a APC. Even with a surge protector, you are still going to have issues. None will show if you have a corroded Neutral, loose or illegally connected ground wire between the ground & neutral on an outlet.

I have a Ted5000 on my main panel. I started to see low voltages on my line, so pulled out the meter and found one leg that was consistently low every day. Called up the local utility, they saw that incoming was correct, put the meter back on, and the problem went away. It also gave them a chance to look for corrosion on the power wires & lugs, along with any burnt signs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I live in a single residence in the Los Angeles area...the issues you bring up are beyond my competence...this problem doesn't affect my wife's computer in another room, but apparently only in my home office...i could run an extension cord from my office to an outlet on the other side of the house, where she uses the computer, and see what happens...here are a couple of sub-panels besides the main panel here, so maybe this requires an electrician to check out for me.
Not sure what to do first....I had an APC for over three years, and replaced it last month with the cyber power UPS, but theproblem was happening with the APC as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
I would have an electrician check thins out. Especially since you live in LA, and the air there can wreck havoc on outdoor panels. I use a APC 1250vA/740 watts one on my network gear. It lets me look at incoming and outgoing volts, plus how many "events". You should have an electrician put in a whole house surge on the main panel, or put this Leviton between the meter & meter pan. Make sure you get the correct one, or have the electrician you hire to do it. Some electric utilities will install them for home & business owners, then tack the charge on your bill to pay it off.

There is a 4-jaw & 5-jaw version. Your utility will know which one you will need. Amazon.com: Leviton 50240-MSA 120/240 Volt 200 Amp, Secondary Surge Arrestor, Surge Protective Device 4 Jaw Socket Meter Socket: Home Improvement

As for checking voltage, most local libraries rent out Kill-a-watt units for their customers to use, to check what they are using on various appliances. You just plug it into the outlet, then plug the appliance in.

Checking the voltage with a meter is something that every home owner should know how to do. It is working inside the panels that you have to really know what you are doing. Otherwise if you ground yourself between one of the incoming legs or both and the Neutral or ground, you can kill or injure yourself.

I would shut off power to the house, go around and check every outlet and switch to see if they are "Backstabbed". That is when they just push the wire into the back, and the wire is held in place by a set of springs that push a jaw against them. They should be attached by the screws. GFCI outlets have a screw that pushes a clamp against the wire.

The biggest culprit is Aluminum wiring when you run into this kind of issue, along with backstabbed outlets. You can also check inside the panel for loose wires to the breakers, by flipping off the main breaker and use a flat head screw driver to tighten any that are loose, along with on the Neutral & ground bus bar.

I just use a $20 Sperry DMM for checking voltages when I find an issue. Otherwise it is just my 120/240/480 if I am looking to see if there is power or not at an outlet.

Having bad connections or brownouts, along with the utility controlling power to the home, can cause more issues then people realize.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Your detailed comments much appreciated Broe23...right now I have the computer/monitor on an extension cord plugged into outlet on other side of the house....if that works, than I believe the problem has to do with a subpanel located on south wall of house, and main panel is on the north side...the next step would be to get an electrician to check this out as you describe....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Just now got the screen shake with the extension cord plugged in to another outlet on other side of house...am wondering that since this dosesn't happen to my wife's computer, maybe there is some malware or trojan or something in my data that is causing the problem.....windows defender isn't picking it up....is there any good debugging program I might want to try first to see if there is indeed some infection that has caused this problem on a previous computer and now this new one?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Would it be trivial to try the wife's computer in that spot? If it's some kind of RFI then her's would likely show some symptom.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
good suggestion...
for the unenlightened, what is an RFI?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
what is an RFI?

Radio Frequency Interference.

When I was a kid the spark plug wires in cars were just rubber coated copper. Every time a car went by outside on the street the TV picture got ripples. They passed legislation that autos had to use suppressor wire. The inside is like strings impregnated with carbon. No metal to emit radio/magnetic waves. This was in the pre-cable days. A "rabbit ears" antenna on top of the TV etc.. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Not a Trojan or malware issue. You need to read what I posted, regarding having the electric checked out, along with what the incoming voltage is at the Meter Panel and the Breaker panel.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I will be following up on all these good suggestions. Thanks again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DellG2410
Back
Top