Image appears distorted due to bad video card.
Cause:
The display unit is plugged into a defective video card.
Solution:
Replace the video card inside the base unit with another video card.
NOTE: This task should be done by a qualified computer technician.
1) Remove the computer cover.
2) Remove the old video card:
a) Remove the screw from the top notch of the mounting bracket on the card.
b) Touch the chassis to ground any static and, grasping the video card by its edges, remove the card by pulling straight up on it gently but firmly. Avoid side-to-side movements (circuit boards crack easily).
c) Place the card in a static-resistant envelope.
d) If not inserting a replacement card in this slot, replace the rear metal slot cover and secure it in place with a screw.
3) Install the new video card:
a) Remove the video card from its box and from the protective static envelope.
b) Locate the jumpers or DIP switches on the card and lay the card down on the static envelope with the jumpers/DIP switches in view.
c) Read the video card manual and identify which, if any, settings need to be changed on the card to use the COM port and interrupt chosen in Step 1).
d) If necessary, move jumpers and/or change DIP Switches, if necessary.
e) Identify an appropriate size expansion slot for the type of video card to be installed. Identify the required slot type by examining the row of connector pins along the bottom of the card. An older adapter may fit an 8-bit slot. Most ISA-based video cards require a 16-bit slot while a VESA Local Bus card requires an even longer slot. Choose an appropriate slot by matching the length and gaps in this row of connector pins with slots on the mainboard. Remove the rear metal expansion plate cover.
f) Touch the chassis to ground any static and, grasping the video card by its edges, insert the card bottom (part with the gold-striped bars) into the free slot. Press straight down firmly until the card is completely seated. Avoid side-to-side movements when positioning the card (circuit boards crack easily).
g) Insert the screw, previously removed from the rear metal slot cover, into the top notch of the mounting bracket on the card and the screw hole and tighten it securely.
h) (Optional) If installing 2 video cards for a 2-display setup, attach the VGA pass-through cable to the pin connector or edge-style connector along the top of the video card.
4) Connect the video cable from the display unit to the socket on the back of the video card. Secure connector with attached screws.
5) Check the display unit for a Analog/TTL switch. Make sure it is set to 'Analog' (unless it is an old digital display).
CAUTION: Setting this switch in the wrong position could damage the display unit.
6) (Optional) Some high-end video cards and displays ship with BNC connectors (twist on/off) labeled RGB (Red, Green, Blue). If supplied, they should be used because they provide better color separation and screen appearance. 2 types are available:
a) If RGB, connect the red cable to the color input socket marked 'Red' and so on for the others.
b) If composite (Ext. sync) connect the white or gray cable to 'Horizontal' and the black cable to 'Vertical'.
7) Install the video driver and test the new configuration:
a) Make sure that no parts or tools remain in the chassis.
b) Replace necessary cables (power, keyboard, mouse, etc.) and plug power cable into surge protector or wall outlet.
c) Turn on the computer and related peripherals one at a time. (System should boot normally, assuming there are no memory or address conflicts.)
d) Insert the video driver diskette and install the video driver that came with the new display.
NOTE: Consult the documentation that came with the display unit for the command to start the installation program.
e) Follow the installation/setup instructions.
f) Test the video card, driver installation and display configuration by running installed programs.
8) If display does not work right or a message about address or interrupt (DMA) conflicts during use appears or another device (e.g., mouse) fails:
a) Turn the computer system off and check the seating of the video card and all the cable connections.
b) Reread settings instructions and recheck DIP Switch and Jumper settings.
c) Make sure the proper video driver is selected.
d) Identify interrupt (DMA) assignments
e) Resolve any DMA Conflicts that occur.
f) Contact the video card manufacturer for support.
9) Replace the computer cover.
