Help black glitchy stuff is ‘dripping’ down my screen

Troubleshooting Display Issues After a Fall: What to Do When Your Screen Goes Glitchy

Accidents happen to the best of us, and for many, our computers are an essential part of daily life. Recently, I encountered a frustrating dilemma after a tumble caused my laptop to crash to the ground. Unfortunately, it landed hard enough that it now has visible damage to the screen frame and internal components. As a result, I’m experiencing what looks like black glitchy stains ‘dripping’ down my display.

If you’ve ever dealt with similar screen issues, you might relate to the frustration I’m feeling. I’ve noticed that when I apply too much pressure to the laptop’s bottom while lifting it, I sometimes trigger a temporary glitch. Previously, I could simply restart my laptop to resolve the issue. However, after this incident, no amount of rebooting has managed to eliminate the distracting black streaks.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation:

Assess the Damage: Carefully examine your laptop for any visible cracks or distortions. If your device has suffered physical damage, it’s crucial to gauge the extent of the impairment, as this will inform your next steps.
Try a Different Restart: While I initially attempted a standard restart, consider also performing a complete shutdown. Disconnect your laptop from any power sources, remove the battery if possible, and then hold down the power button for about 10 seconds. This can sometimes reset residual glitches.
Check for Software Issues: Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Sometimes, display issues can stem from outdated or corrupted Software rather than physical damage.
External Display Test: If you have access to an external monitor, connect your laptop to it. If the external display works perfectly, the issue likely resides within your laptop’s screen rather than with the internal hardware.
Professional Assessment: Should the problem persist, it may be time to consult a professional technician. They can assess any internal damage and recommend repairs. It’s vital to get a qualified opinion, especially if your laptop is used for critical tasks.
Backup Your Data: Regardless of whether you can fix the screen immediately or not, ensure all your important files are backed up. Hardware issues can sometimes lead to further complications, so it’s always wise to safeguard your data.