Vostro - Screen splits in 6 Screens

I own a dell vostro 1400 laptop.
Just lately its gone a little crazy.
I push the power button in, the post screen would come up but instead of it filling the whole screen, the screen is split into 6 parts. I have 6 of the same image on my screen.
This continues onto the windows loading screen, which after it restarts and does the same thing!

I tried re-installing the OS but no use...Please suggest ...What can the possible solution for this problem

 

Hi. What graphics card does your Vostro have? If it has the nVidia card, that card may have died. Try plugging into an external monitor and see if you get the same results there. If you see the same thing on the external, then that's most likely the issue.

 

Yup - sounds like the Nvidia problem if it affects the boot screen. Time to get in touch with Dell.

 

Hi .
This is the graphics card i have ...

128MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS Graphics Card

 

Sounds like it may be one of the defective ones.

 

Yep, I'd give Dell a call, they should be able to take care of it for ya

 

What happens when Dell has to replace the motherboard? I'll be going through this soon enough and do I have to send it to them or do they come to me and fix it?

 

Can i have just the graphics card changed and not the whole mother board...will that be possible...I am asking becos my warranty period on Dell has expired

 

Hmm, I know that some have had techs come to their home and replace the motherboard, I'm not sure if that's only for people who opted for at-home service.

UPDATE: I've attempted to research this on Direct2Dell and I've had no luck, your best bet would be to call or use online chat before hand.

Unlike Desktops, literally all laptops have their dedicated graphics soldered to the motherboard so the whole thing will have to be replaced. One good thing is that Dell has extended the warranty on the nVidia card, so your probably covered.

UPDATE: This is what I found from the Direct 2 Dell site:

Source: http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/...ate-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspx

Good luck, and keep us posted as to what happens

Ricky