Computer, I hate you

[humandoodad]

I am animal sitting this weekend for The Ex Roommates Sarah and Matt, and was looking forward to a weekend of watching stuff on the big nice tv and dipping around on my computer.

Unfortunately, my computer has decided to fuck up majorly. >:( So I am borrowing Sarah's, but it's not the same. I was going to play the Sims and things. :(

It's really weird. My screen was being all flickery on one side, then after a while went black. I restarted it and it was okay for about three minutes before going black again. It's fine before Windows boots, so I'm guessing it's a settings problem or a glitch? I don't even know.

I can't afford to get it fixed right now, so any suggestions you have would be much appreciated. I can kind of see what I'm doing if I tilt the screen all the way back and squint in good light, so if there's something that can be done with settings and things I can give it a shot.

Comments

[jeremymmzforbes.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. So, the computer stays on, but the screen is turning off? If that's the case I'd say try plugging in a screen that isn't having problems and see if there's any trouble there?

[speshope.livejournal.com]

The screen is on, but very very dark. I googled around, but most of the answers I found don't explain why it's only dark once Windows boots. Once my friends with desktops get back from their wedding, I'll see about hooking up to one of their monitors.

It's hard to do my usual 'futz around with settings' troubleshooting when I can't really see the text on the screen. It gives me a headache.

[jeremymmzforbes.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, well, I doubt that it's the Windows settings, but you could always try starting it up in Safe Mode (Press the F8 key when the computer is loading, if you didn't already know that.) and see what that looks like? If it works fine in that mode it would mean that it's a software setting, but if it doesn't than it's more likely a hardware issue.

I know it sounds dumb, but the you haven't accidentally just dimmed it, have you? I doubt that's the case, but I guess it doesn't hurt to toss out the idea.

[speshope.livejournal.com]

I'll try the safe mode thing once I gain back some patience for the whole computer fixing process definitely.

LOL. I definitely haven't accidentally dimmed it, but it's not a suggestion outside the realm of possibility. It doesn't go this dim though via regular means, and I've futzed with those settings already to no avail.

[(Anonymous)]

I have no idea about the computer, but it feels a little odd being referred to as the "ex roommate." i know that is precisely what i am, but it feels as if we broke up from roommating or something like that.

so, i think we're aiming for burger and brew this week if you want.

[speshope.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. Former roommate probably has less hostile connotations. Note to self, change terminology.

Woo burger and brew! \o/