What's wrong?

[SoSl0w]

I have had my Sony VAIO for some time now (almost a year) and half of this time it has pissed me off, on an off and on basis. The laptop is a Sony VAIO PCG-GRV670, 512mb ram, ATI mobility 9000, 40 gig HDD, DVD/CD-R combo. The problem is that every now and again the screen will go all crazy. It will display basically all blue squares across the entire screen. I first noticed this while just messing around in windows, not while playing any games. However this problem becomes more prevalent when I try to play certain games or when a game is all loaded up and I start to play. At that point it usually craps out. The only difference in a few games (ex. midnight club) is that it will really go crazy and display odd colors and shapes usually eminating from a central point. So can anyone tell me what it might be? My first guess obviously has been the ATI card crapping out, I just wanted some opinions before I send this back in and/or get it repaired locally. I have I believe the 1yr warrantee through sony and a purchased 3 yr through Tiger Direct so I know that I am not SOL just yet.
Thanks

Greg

[f1oored]

My friend had the same problem with his Vaio. As I recall, he was pushing his girlfriend around when her foot got wrapped in the power cord. When she fell she pulled the laptop off the desk and onto the floor. It was obviously my friends fault but he kept trying to blame it on his girlfriend. I think God punished him by making the LCD act funny during certain games and whatnot.

Does that sound like the same problem you are having?

[SoSl0w]

Actually God is not punishing me, maybe Sony or ATI but not God. Thanks for your suggestion though. My actual theory behind what may be responsible for this problem is still up for debate. I just need to know some opinions on what is causing the above described problems not who or what is responsible for starting it.

PS: I really believe that a crappy LAN party caused my new laptop to get a bit hot. Maybe protecting a table w/ a blanky fried my laptop

[f1oored]

If you are a guest at someone's lan party, you should show enough respect to try not to damage their nice new table.

The more you talk, the more this is sounding like bad karma. Maybe you should face the facts, God doesn't like you! All things considered, God probably hates you. Lets review the facts

1) You beat your girlfriend
2) After a stern beatin' you blame her for breaking your Laptop
3) You ruin your friends table
4) After ruining the table your blame him for breaking your laptop

To me it sounds like bad karma has gone full circle. Time to pay the piper. I say repent of your transgressions now before God sees fit to smote your desktop with a terrible virus.

[SoSl0w]

Well it has been a few days....anyone have any imput besides f1oored.

TTT

Thanks

[Jarhed7276]

You might try new video drivers.
You can get them here

[Jeordiewhite]

Is that really necessary f1oored? Not sure what is going on between him and his gf, or you, but that isn't relavant, not that I agree with what possibly may have happened, but dont really need to get into specifics, anway...
Have you tried updating the video card drivers and possibly directX to 9.01b?
If that doens't help, is the fan on the video card, if there is one, is it still running? Also, try uninstalling the drivers first before upgrading them.
If no go, there is an ati artifact tester, good for checking for problems with the video cards, but if it is due to maybe it was ruined and not by a higher power, then rma it. Be sure to back up everything before you do tho.

[ben-the-slacker]

Eh...do u 2 know each other? Or maybe you two are the same person.

As for the computer, I'd say live with it til it really starts to piss you off and then send it back to Tiger to see if they can fix it.