Not sure if this is the right place, but...

I have an older desktop pc that I'm trying to use with my smartboard. When I hook it up to any monitor the display has tiny, wavy lines - not new lines - just what is on screen seems to be moving...just slightly. (The desktop pic is fine...but the icons on the desktop show it - and it shows up in the programs.)  It isn't really noticeable unless you look for it, that is, until you hook it up through a projector (via a long vga cord) and it is unbearable to look at.

I checked the System Information under Display and it had no info.

In the Device Manager  there was one question mark under Other Devices -> Video Controller (VGA Compatible) and it said there was a problem with the driver.

Is this the issue? Any advice on how to fix it? Or if I need to take it to someone who knows the "insides" of a computer better - could you help me know what to ask for?

(I'm thinking it might need a new video card -  would a better card make a difference in seeing the display that large?) 

Thanks for the assistance...

 If you have a question mark under video controller, that means either you are missing your drivers (software) to make the video display work or the video card is bad.  In order to fix this, you would have to open up the computer and find the make and model number of your video card and then Google that to find the drivers on the Internet.  I would either buy a video card with at least 128MB or find someone to help you find the drivers to fix the video card problem.

 

Hi,

I would suggest checking your refresh rate on your graphics card setting. It may also be worth running a short lead from the projector to the cpu. Is the current vga being run near power cables or lighting. Could possibly be an interference issue.

Thanks

Steve

Hello,

I have a few suggestions for you.  I would recommend right-clicking on the driver in the Windows Device Manager (where you are having the yellow icon) and try updating the drivers.

If that fails, you may wish to visit the webpage of your Video Card manufacturer and download the newest drivers directly from them.  This should at least increase your reliability with the video card.

In addition you can right click on the desktop and select properties.  This will bring you to your Display Properties.

In here, you want to select Settings and see what your colour quality is set at.  A higher value makes for a better and more colourful image but at the risk of slowing down the screen.  This could be the case if your drivers are not working correctly.

(Note:  Notebook 10 works best under 32bit colour quality.  If you run it in 24bit or less, some of the tools won't work properly and some gallery items will display with a gray border).

Next I would select Advanced from the current screen from the above steps.  In here you can select Monitor and adjust the refresh rate.  Too high can result in problematic images and too low will cause noticeble scroll horizontal scroll bars.

(Note:  Most projectors require a refresh rate of 60-70hz, anything higher can cause the image to be distorted)