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    Red dots while viewing pictures and video

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by datharo805, Sep 9, 2009.

  1. datharo805

    datharo805 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So my XPS M1530 recently started displaying these random red dots while playing videos and looking at pictures. I was hoping it wouldn't be a video card issue, but it's starting to look it is. Now, I would completely go along with that resolution if it wasn't for the fact that I don't have that trouble in XP. I've been using Windows 7 (where the issue started) so I downgraded to Windows Vista, and I get the same issue. It's just frustrating since I've had the motherboard replaced 2 times already for battery charging issues. I've never had a video issue at all until now!

    Any advice would be more than helpful!

    Thank you in advance.
     
    datharo805, Sep 9, 2009
    #1
  2. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    you wouldn't by any chance have an Nvidia 8400m or 8600m , would you, if so it might be dying.
     
    Tinderbox (UK), Sep 9, 2009
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  3. datharo805

    datharo805 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Darn...I was hoping it wouldn't be that...
    Yes, I do have a 8600m GT card...
     
    datharo805, Sep 9, 2009
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  4. Nivk

    Nivk Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can run some tests to pinpoint the problem, though I guess its the GPU anyway. Would not surprise me because mine (8600m GT) died on me also.


    1. Try to run the Preboot System Assessment (PSA) diagnostics:

    Remove all external peripherals.
    Ensure that the computer is powered off.
    Press and hold FN key and press the power button to power the computer on.
    Release both buttons. The PSA diagnostics sequence begins.
    Make note of any PSA beep codes or PSA error codes.

    2. To test the LCD monitor on your computer, initialize the LCD BIST diagnostics:

    Turn off the computer.
    Press and hold the D key, while pressing the power button and starting the computer.

    The LCD screen will then change different colours for 20 seconds.
    Observe these colours if they were displayed properly.

    3. Test with an external monitor also to exclude it being the LCD in the laptop.
     
    Nivk, Sep 9, 2009
    #4