WHAT DO I DO IF THE IMAGE ON SCREEN IS DISTORTED OR SKEWED?

SafeBytes Software

Any given number of reasons could be responsible for a distorted monitor. Thus the best way of dealing with the problem is through deduction and elimination, beginning with the simplest and most obvious sources of the problem.

You need to go through a certain checklist in order to identify where the issues may be arising, so that you can fix them with a minimum of fuss and errors. If the screen is completely black then it could be a connectivity or power issue. On the other hand, it is also possible that the screen itself may be malfunctioning, in which case a replacement will be the most likely solution.

1 - Windows Issues: It could be a case of your operating system (OS) not responding well due to a fault in its coding or a fatal interaction. In this case, you will need to restart the computer. If the screen is running normally just right up to the time when Windows starts then you can conclude that the problem is to do with the OS.

Typically, this will be a case of a corrupt, missing or obsolete driver. That requires an upgrade or replacement. Another possible explanation is a screen resolution that is so out of synch that you are unable to see the text or images. In that case, you merely have to reconfigure the resolution to one that is manageable.

2 – Disconnected Cables: The next explanation is that of cables which are disconnected from their power points. These cables could also be defective in their own right. For example, a mouse or rat might have chewed off bits of the cables, hence exposing and damaging the inner wires.

At other times, the cable is faulty from the word go and you get it from the manufacturer when there are already serious problems. In this case, you will need to disconnect the video cable. These are normally grouped into HDMI, VGA or DVI. Do a physical inspection, but make sure that the power is off before you touch the cable in the first place.

3 – Issues of Interference: Where there are magnetic fields or EMI, it is possible that the transmission system is affected. In order to solve this problem, you will need to keep a safe distance between the screen and your speakers or fans.

There are other magnetic devices that could be causing the problem. You should move them too. Start the computer again and see whether there is an improvement on the screen.

4 – Problems with the Refresh Rate: If you have not accurately and appropriately set the refresh rate on the CRT monitor then this problem could arise. In that case, you will see wavy lines that are going up and down the monitor. They could be moving fast or slow. This is what is known as the flickering effect. The only way of effectively resolving it is to change the refresh rate to one which is comfortable and practical.

Ultimately it could be just a bad monitor. In this case, you should consider replacing it.