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Dell XPS M1530- Split Image

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MD Buckeye

MD Buckeye

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My computer recently locked up when I attempted to run a program. I did a hard restart and now have a split imaged/mirrored screen. I tried to go in display settings and adjust them, however it won't let me change anything (resolution wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

To add, I'm operating on Windows Vista and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT. Checking my drivers, it says my display adapter has stopped working. I tried going back to a restore point, disabling & then enabling the driver, with no change.

Thanks
 
Sounds like a hardware issue, and you might have encountered the GPU problem NVidia had with their 8 series mobile GPU's. That would be my best guess. Sadly, replacing the GPU pretty much requires a new motherboard.

They had an issue with overheating and the solder would break. This would cause really strange issue, intermittent type things (which included double images), or simply no image at all if it completely separated. At least that is what I recall of the issue.

I think Dell decided to extend warranties an extra year if you encountered that specific issue. Of course at this point that would mean you would have to have bought the 3 year warranty (I have the same computer and it's over 3 years old, so I assume yours is of the same age).

I wouldn't give up trying to work on the software end, including up to a OS reinstall. Yet I have a feeling it is a hardware issue and it's the GPU.
 
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scott91575;1970462; said:
Sounds like a hardware issue, and you might have encountered the GPU problem NVidia had with their 8 series mobile GPU's. That would be my best guess. Sadly, replacing the GPU pretty much requires a new motherboard.

They had an issue with overheating and the solder would break. This would cause really strange issue, intermittent type things (which included double images), or simply no image at all if it completely separated. At least that is what I recall of the issue.

I think Dell decided to extend warranties an extra year if you encountered that specific issue. Of course at this point that would mean you would have to have bought the 3 year warranty (I have the same computer and it's over 3 years old, so I assume yours is of the same age).

I wouldn't give up trying to work on the software end, including up to a OS reinstall. Yet I have a feeling it is a hardware issue and it's the GPU.
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+1

I would start by uninstalling the display driver, then go online and download the latest driver.

If that doesn't work, I'd do a full backup/reinstall of the OS. Wipe and format the HDD, then re-install using the system discs.
 
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Also, looks like there was a lawsuit over the 8400/8600: http://nvidiasettlement.com/

Claims period just ended in March. So, fuck.

However, it appears to be something that can occasionally be fixed without fully replacing the motherboard:

I finally had chance to open up the keyboard area and inspect the display related cables and connectors. No connectors were loose or no cables were damaged. Anyway, I reseated all display related connectors and reorganized cables just to make sure that the problem is not caused by loose or damaged cable. And when I booted up the first time, display worked normally. Now, I've been using my laptop without the display problem for 3 days now. It seems like reseating and reorganizing the cables fixed the problem. I hope this is a permanent fix as I am planning to use this laptop for a long time. If you anyone of you have similar problem, you might try what I tried. It may fix your problem as well.
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http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3519/t/19374530.aspx

If you're lucky, it may be the LCD screen, which can usually be replaced pretty inexpensively.
 
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BlufftonBuckeye;1970613; said:
I would start by uninstalling the display driver, then go online and download the latest driver.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info. Tried uninstalling the display driver & downloading again and got the following error: "NVIDIA Installer cannot continue. This graphics driver could not find compatible graphics hardware."
 
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BlufftonBuckeye;1970673; said:
Also, looks like there was a lawsuit over the 8400/8600: http://nvidiasettlement.com/

Claims period just ended in March. So, fuck.

However, it appears to be something that can occasionally be fixed without fully replacing the motherboard:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3519/t/19374530.aspx

If you're lucky, it may be the LCD screen, which can usually be replaced pretty inexpensively.
Click to expand...

This is what I was talking about when I mentioned the 8 series mobile problem with NVidia. It was a huge problem. I am pretty sure it has to do with the solder coming loose over time thanks to overheating (it actually gets hot enough to increase the rate of fatigue cracking and even melt the solder over time). IMO, the person you quoted fixed it by accidentally reconnecting the GPU while he was screwing around with the cables. Yet that would not be a long term fix. Eventually it will just come loose again.

I don't want to jump the gun here and say that is the issue, but if it is you might be able to fix it without getting a new board. Someone at a computer repair shop should be able to fix the solder and use eutectic solder (I believe this is actually the fix NVidia used after they found out about the issue). Of course labor will cost a fair amount. Possibly up to the amount a new board might cost you (I believe you can get refurbed motherboards off ebay or other retailers for about $150). Not sure. If you are really adventuresome you could open it yourself and inspect the solder. If that is the issue, and you are even more gutsy, you could try and fix the solder yourself.
 
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Interesting....I turn on my computer today & my screen is back to normal. Keep in mind I've used the computer from time to time since the problem started & this is the first time it's been normal. WTF?
 
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