Well, it's with great-ish pleasure that I can announce that my computer is finally fixed, up and running, save for two major errors. I finally got my laptop to work on an external monitor!... The only problem, now, is that I can see a bunch of green/pink lines across my screen. I wasn't sure whether this was the motherboard at fault or the videocard, but I've downloaded the latest BIOS update and because I had to 'clean slate' my computer, I have no option to rollback to previous versions. Has anyone else gone through this? If so, do you have any ideas how to fix it? For a bit more information on this, this computer's running on a 140m NVS (don't hate, it's old) but when I try to access my Nvidia dashboard, it says it's not connected to a Nvidia GPU. Could it be that my video-card isn't connected fully, anymore?

Also, if I can get this thing fixed, I'd also like a clean install of 3ds MAX '08. I don't have a .Edu , so the site probably wouldn't let me get it.
I want to know this because as soon as I can get this fixed, the sooner I can start working on making Halo CE maps again. Thanks for the help in advanced.
Edited by AllySuzumiya on Jun 22, 2013 at 09:43 AM

Either your graphics card or monitor.

Yep, you were right. It is my graphics card. I think I might need to dissassemble this thing.. Again.. In the mean time, do you know how to force a graphics card on?

Open your case.

Look at the widest horizontal strip on your motherboard. I assume you know what a graphics card looks like so find the strip that has a graphics card plugged into it. Find the clip at the side of the strip. Unclip it.

Then get a screwdriver, and unscrew your graphics card from your case carefully.

You could perform those steps in reverse order if you wish, I believe :/

Finally, look at the side of your graphics card which was previously plugged in. Check for dust or bent pins. If there is any dust, carefully swipe it away, making sure not to actually touch the card with your hands. If there are bent pins... well, report them because that's a more difficult issue.

If there are no visible issues, carefully plug your graphics card back into the strip(PCI Express port). Then screw it back into the case.

Make sure to plug any power plugs back in.(there may or may not actually be a power port on your card. Check. If there is but there's no plug, either find the appropriate plug or report it here)

Finally, try using your computer again. If there are still issues, first check to ensure that it definitely isn't a BIOS issue or a driver issue. If not, report it here. It's possible that your card is just dying.

E: Oh and if you take your card out, make sure you only touch the sides or wear an anti-static wristband. Touching the card without an anti-static wristband could kill it.
Also, if you ever put it down anywhere apart from an anti-static container, which is inadvisable, put it down on wood or plastic trays/tables/chairs/etc(not entirely sure about plastic though but my GPU's fine after carrying it around on a plastic tray)

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Edited by Jaz on Jun 22, 2013 at 11:11 AM

LOL you don't need a .edu use @gmail and remember disusing piracy is banned including 3dsmax
Edited by ELVEVERX on Jun 22, 2013 at 10:46 PM

Ahem, I assume you're talking about the college course, Murray, and just for the record, I'm about to take that two year course and I know for certain that even at high level, it's pretty basic. Certainly does not give you any intellectual leverage :/

I also built my own PC and I've performed a lot of swaps. I've also been actively researching the topic at hand for three years. Though I don't believe this gives me any leverage over you, as it is again fairly basic, I would appreciate it if you didn't shoot down my advice so quickly.

But yes, as I already stated, you shouldn't touch any of your components except at the sides without an anti-static wristband. The sides may still be relatively dangerous but they're mostly fine, as proven by millions of PC builders around the world.

And no, it is not likely that Ally's video card is dead. That is ridiculous. Yes, it's possible but suggesting that it actually has any probability, as in it is more likely than other causes, is nothing but an assumption.

Graphical tears can be caused by a variety of factors, including your BIOS. In fact, I experienced graphical tears just last year, and it was, in fact, caused by a common issue which was present within the BIOS version I was using at the time.

So yes, you should check for other causes before ever just throwing away components.

I read it just fine, thanks.

If you're assuming that I was suggesting that you were suggesting that Ally throw away components, no, I wasn't, though your presumption that there is a likelihood of the video card's death does lean towards such a drastic plan.

Or just get a desktop like any logical person would.

A. It's pretty basic stuff. That you think that taking simple college courses makes you an expert on these topics is hilarious.

B. I HAVE experienced this error, thanks. Or at least a similar issue, which I know for certain can be caused by the same thing, though there are multiple possible causes.

C. Except that I actually did google the symptoms and I know, from a lot of research, that despite some so-called experts' insistence, you cannot call any cause 'likely'. Electrical components can be disrupted by a variety of factors. You cannot pinpoint any of them without serious troubleshooting. You certainly can't just assume/guess as to the cause of an issue.

And I don't know for certain that I'm more knowledgable on the subject than you. I just know that you have no right to claim you're more knowledgable than me, especially based on the completion of a course which I know to be relatively basic. The only reason I'm even taking it is because it is an easy route to a programming course in university... which is an easy route to serious employment.

Oh and though I agreed partly with some of your post, which I deliberately did not emphasise, I am certain that I made no real contradictions.

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Edited by Jaz on Jun 23, 2013 at 06:27 PM

^ I almost always agree with this

"your video card is probably dead"

Suggesting the probability of the video card's death which is usually followed by throwing said video card into the trash, unless you're either very skilled and careful or exceptionally lucky and you manage to revive the card through certain risky methods.

Every one is too off topic and too butt hurt in this thread lol.

If the card is dead like Murray was thinking, it would really only be good as a paper weight.

Op: have you thought about re-installing the OS? Are you sure you have the proper drivers? If the card is not showing up in device manager than you will need to have a look at the card and see if there is dust ect. If still not showing up after that you may need a new card.

It's a living hell to open up a laptop to get to the chipsets.

But the same principal applies when you can't get a device to show up(removing said device, dusting the slot/socket, replacing said device).

But after that, if it still isn't detected. Chunk it

I lol'd at the McCarthyism: "pay attention to meee D: Paaay attention to meee D:!!!!"

Na-Nanna NAA na naaaa na I'm gonna start a fight!!
Edited by OrangeJuice on Jun 23, 2013 at 08:37 PM

Just so we are clear here, this tech support is so you can play Halo Custom Edition and not just an off topic thread right?

Yep. I still have a proposed map that I wasn't able to build yet, remember?