SO let's talk laptops
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
United States
December 28, 2015 7:48pm CST
Mine very well may be on the fritz. Twice in the past fifeteen minutes the screen has gone black and then back to normal. It only lasts a few seconds but I don't know what the cause is. I am hoping that it is something software related as that is more easily fixed than a laptop screen going kaput. I suppose I could get a HDMI cord and connect it to my t.v. but then I don't know if my laptop has an HDMI input?
The graphics card is also crashing. I really am useless with computers. I've had this one for two years or so.
It was about $250.00 at walmart. Any idea why my screen is doing this? the shockwave plug in constantly crashes as well.
HELP!
8 people like this
8 responses
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
29 Dec 15
OK this one sounds like a typical memory problem to me. When a memory chips starts to go bad it can cause this problem. You can easily fix this one. If you are bad with computers take it to your local computer store and have them open the back of it. Ask to change out the memory chip and I am sure this one will help. Normally it shouldn't be a video card and memory wil lcause the computer to black out and back on too.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
Thanks for the tip. I really am trying not to have to take it to a shop. It has stopped doing the black out thing for now. I was worried there for awhile. Truth is, this is a few years old and I could do to get another one but I want to wait as long as possible and shop around / save up. This laptop was only $250.00 or so.
1 person likes this
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum The reason I suggested taking it in to the shop ws so they could match the memory for yuo. Otherwise you need to open the back of the laptop and remove the memory chip and take it to the sop so you can get another one the same. I see this all the time and normally I just replace the memory on it and it works fine for a while longer.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
It has windows 10. AS far as I know it is up to date. THe only thing I don't know about is the shockwave, and I assume there is a way for me to update the graphics drivers but am not sure.
2 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum
I understand some windows 10 users are having problems so I would suggest going to their website and see what other users are saying.
1 person likes this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum Not sure what to say, it seems you have covered everything. Like Ann is saying it could be memory, that can at any time or on it's way out. Memory would be easier to fix than video card on a laptop.
It may be worth taking it to a computer shop and seeing what they have to say if it continues to happen. i know sometimes shockwave seems to clear itself and working ok.
@celticeagle (167071)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Dec 15
Are you using Chrome? I had the shockwave plug giving me issues last week. Now it works fine. If it is not issues on Edge it is something on Chrome. Chrome is better though. I get a lot more done.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
I use chrome now, but was getting the same problem when I was on firefox.
I think it's Mr. Ten (windows) myself. He think he's so perfect but ha! we know better. 
3 people like this
@celticeagle (167071)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum ...Probably. If it were perfect we'd be so spoiled.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
I prefer to figure things out myself when it comes to computers. I have an uncle who can help me somewhat as well.
1 person likes this
@Syllogism (206)
• China
29 Dec 15
So, if you've been using it for 2 years, it's quite normal for some parts to go out of function
.
When you say the screen turn black, do you mean as black as when the power is off or as black as you've set a black background? The later one often related to the defects of operating system or some software; The former one often indicates some hardware breakdown, considering your specific situation, it probably involves the display cables.
You could have it checked by some professional if that screen failure happens again.
.
When you say the screen turn black, do you mean as black as when the power is off or as black as you've set a black background? The later one often related to the defects of operating system or some software; The former one often indicates some hardware breakdown, considering your specific situation, it probably involves the display cables.
You could have it checked by some professional if that screen failure happens again.@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
It is as black as if the screen is off. I don't really want to outsource help on this. I have an uncle that might be able to help, but if it gets any worse I"ll be looking for a newer model.
1 person likes this
@Syllogism (206)
• China
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum Yes, that's right. I really don't think a laptop of $250 which has been used for over 2 years worth a repair cost of over dozens of dollars.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
@Syllogism I would consider it if it was something worth $1000 or so and used for business but not this little thing! 
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
29 Dec 15
It may be over heating, cool it down by blowing a fan on it if it feels hot.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 15
I don't think it's that. I know on older models of computers it has been the case. It's not done it since, which is a good thing.
3 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
29 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum Well that's one thing you have ruled out.
@KristenH (33385)
• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
29 Dec 15
Oh man, that stinks. Maybe you should call customer service or check out the support forums on the company's website. It always helped me out. Do you have a warranty for your laptop for tech support service?
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
30 Dec 15
With the description of the problem you stated, it's more of hardware glitch or failure. When it comes to that matter, better bring it to the service center to check for specific problems. Or much better, buy a new one because your laptop is prone to failure/glitches when it experience such kind of signs 
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
30 Dec 15
I am going to hold onto it as lon gas I can. I don't want to shell out money for something that was not very expensive as is. I suppose it's nearly ran it's value out.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
30 Dec 15
@ScribbledAdNauseum Better buy a new one. it's worth your money!
