The document discusses the six-step methodology for troubleshooting video and display issues. The most important step is properly identifying the problem. Common issues include VGA mode from incorrect drivers, no image due to unplugged or failed monitors, overheating from poor ventilation, and dead pixels that may require replacing the monitor. Most technicians will not physically work on monitors today.

1. Troubleshooting
video and displays.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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– Six-step troubleshooting methodology.
– Common symptoms.
PACE-IT.

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Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Steps.
1) Identify the problem.
» Ask questions and, whenever possible, witness the problem personally.
» Troubleshooting can only be as effective as the identification
process.
2) Establish a theory of probable cause.
3) Test the theory to determine actual cause.
4) Establish a plan of action and implement the plan.
5) Verify full system functionality.
6) Document all findings, actions, and outcomes.
Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Troubleshooting video and displays.

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VGA mode.
The most likely cause is
an incorrect driver.
VGA mode is a default safe
resolution that may result when a
video card has been replaced and
the driver is incorrect.
No images on the screen.
The most likely cause is
either…
The monitor is not plugged in or
receiving power, or the backlight has
failed. If the latter is true, replacing
the monitor is often more cost
effective.
Overheating shutdowns.
The most likely cause is
poor ventilation.
Today’s graphics cards run hard
(hot), so they need good airflow.
Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Dead pixels.
The most likely cause is
dead pixels.
If too many are dead, replace the
monitor. They may just be stuck; try
different methods to unstick. (There
are YouTube videos that may help).
Artifacts.
The most likely cause is
either…
An overheating graphics card or a
bad DVI interface.
Color patterns are incorrect.
The most likely cause is
poor calibration.
Most people will not notice this
problem. It can be difficult to
manually adjust.
Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Dim image.
The most likely cause is
either…
The settings have been turned down
or the backlight has failed. If CRT,
time to replace.
Flickering image.
The most likely cause is
a low refresh rate.
This is really only an issue with
CRTs. Increase the refresh rate to
72 Hz or higher.
Distorted image.
The most likely cause is
the wrong resolution.
Modern monitors have a native
resolution. The fix is usually to return
to it.
Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Discoloration.
The most likely cause is
magnetic interference.
This is mostly an issue with CRTs.
Moving the monitor away from other
electrical devices usually solves this.
Blue screen of death (BSOD).
The most likely cause is
an incorrect driver.
Not very common today, but may
still be an issue with some systems.
Troubleshooting video and displays.

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Troubleshooting video and displays.
The most important of the six steps of the troubleshooting methodology is
the proper identification of the problem. Establishing a theory of
probable cause, testing the theory, establishing an action plan, verifying the
solution, and documenting everything round out the methodology.
Topic
Six-step troubleshooting
methodology.
Summary
Video and display troubleshooting is fairly easy. Many of the past problems
are reduced with today’s technology, but that has led to some new ones
(dim image due to backlight). Most techs will never physically work on a
monitor.
Common symptoms.

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THANK YOU!

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U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
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Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
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