[StarSupernova]

Could anyone give me any advice on this please? I have an Acer laptop and a few weeks ago a thin line appeared going from the top of the screen to the bottom. It was there as soon as the laptop was turned on. It was slightly annoying but didn't effect using the laptop.

This evening to the right hand side of the initial line, 4 different sized bars have appeared. Two black bars, a grey bar and a white one with red and blue lines are covering about a third of the screen. The mouse disappears 'underneath' them.

When I print screened the screen the bars don't show up. Is there anyway to remove the bars as it makes it very difficult to use the laptop now.

[Liam Steven]

Originally Posted by StarSupernova

Could anyone give me any advice on this please? I have an Acer laptop and a few weeks ago a thin line appeared going from the top of the screen to the bottom. It was there as soon as the laptop was turned on. It was slightly annoying but didn't effect using the laptop.

This evening to the right hand side of the initial line, 4 different sized bars have appeared. Two black bars, a grey bar and a white one with red and blue lines are covering about a third of the screen. The mouse disappears 'underneath' them.

When I print screened the screen the bars don't show up. Is there anyway to remove the bars as it makes it very difficult to use the laptop now.

This is most certainly a hardware issue, particularly if they appear during POST.

The first thing to do is to try plugging in an external monitor to determine whether it's the Graphics Card or LCD Panel.

If the lines do not appear on an external display the next step is to re-seat the video data cable on the motherboard, however this can be a very fiddly job as the cable is never easily accessible.

If the lines still appear on the screen after re-seating that cable it's more than likely a failing LCD Panel.

[StarSupernova]

Thank you for the detailed response. I've plugged a monitor into the laptop and it's fine. The screen is normal but on the laptop screen a black bar has appeared on the left hand side now and the gap in the middle is a lot more narrow.

Would fixing the data cable be very tricky? I don't want to risk damaging the laptop anymore than I have to.

[RobinOfLoxley]

These show roughly what would be involved.

https://www.google.com/search?pws=0&...er+video+cable

You'll find more by changing search terms with your exact model number, screen replacement, disassembly etc

(I'm not suggesting it is the screen, although it may be, but the guides are useful)

If you are comfortable with using a screwdriver, and know how to take things apart generally, there is no reason you can't have a look.

Post back if unsure on anything.

What model is your Acer?

[plugs13amp]

Here is a video showing how to re-seat the data cable inside an Acer 5920. If your's isn't a 5920, you may still find a video for your model. This will give you a good idea of what is involved. The data cable is a flat 'ribbon' cable, and they are quite delicate, so you need to be very gentle with them, but it isn't a particularly difficult task. If you decide to try it, just lay off the coffee for a few hours before you start.

edit: cross post with Robin

[Liam Steven]

Originally Posted by StarSupernova

Thank you for the detailed response. I've plugged a monitor into the laptop and it's fine. The screen is normal but on the laptop screen a black bar has appeared on the left hand side now and the gap in the middle is a lot more narrow.

Would fixing the data cable be very tricky? I don't want to risk damaging the laptop anymore than I have to.

You won't be able to fix the data cable yourself. All you're doing is re-seating it, which involves unplugging and then re-attaching.

Regardless of the other posters, this isn't generally something that should be attempted if you don't know what you're doing. Regardless of whether "you are comfortable with using a screwdriver." Removing plastics and casings can be very fiddly and if broken on removal the laptop may not "go back together" correctly.

From what you've described it's most likely to be a failing LCD Panel, so you've three options


1. Buy a new laptop
2. Claim on your home insurance
3. Take it to a PC shop or a competent computer guy and be prepared to pay £50 - £120 for a new LCD Panel.

Hope this helps

[StarSupernova]

Originally Posted by Liam Steven

You won't be able to fix the data cable yourself. All you're doing is re-seating it, which involves unplugging and then re-attaching.

Regardless of the other posters, this isn't generally something that should be attempted if you don't know what you're doing. Regardless of whether "you are comfortable with using a screwdriver." Removing plastics and casings can be very fiddly and if broken on removal the laptop may not "go back together" correctly.

From what you've described it's most likely to be a failing LCD Panel, so you've three options


1. Buy a new laptop
2. Claim on your home insurance
3. Take it to a PC shop or a competent computer guy and be prepared to pay £50 - £120 for a new LCD Panel.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the advice. We have managed to get a new laptop today which is good.

We're still going to let someone we know look at the broken laptop but that won't be until Friday.

[Liam Steven]

Originally Posted by StarSupernova

Thanks for the advice. We have managed to get a new laptop today which is good.

We're still going to let someone we know look at the broken laptop but that won't be until Friday.

Good! I'm glad you bought a new laptop!