x31 flickers and cursor looks strange

[ump]

Two problems appeared suddenly after x31 hibernated (I hope) in my luggage, and I reopened the case. I think the problems appeared immediately. I don't think I mistreated the machine. The windows cursor now looks like a double dagger, the sort that indicates the third or fourth footnote in some articles you read. When it turns into a pointer, it is encased in a discolored block, about 3/8 " square.

The worse problem is that the display's colors get slightly washed out and it flickers slightly--or maybe pulses is a better description. This is usually associated with track point movement or with typing. On rebooting, it always shows the IBM splash screen with many evenly spaced vertical lines cutting through the colors. Then large green blocks come and go, one at a time, before the Windows splash--which starts having the washed out colors and slight pulsing of colors.

BIOS is up to date. I reloaded the ATI video driver and the thinkpad configuration program, trackpoint manager, and presentation director. No change.

I'm above average, but by no means a professional teckie. Would appreciate your help.

[ragefury32]

sounds like it's a good time to check the display cables for loose connections. If you are brave, look up the X31 Hardware maintenance manual for steps on reseating the display cable.

If that didn't work, check the cable on the LCD panel side. If that also doesn't work, plug the Thinkpad to an external monitor and see if the monitor output shows the same thing. If it doesn't, it's the LCD cable or panel going wonky on you. If it does, call up IBM for warranty support.

Also, if you are running pbus-167's "Notebook Hardware Control" try tampering with the ATi Radeon clock settings.

[ump]

Thanks ... I'm summoning up my courage.

The Ump