ithinkappleisbetterthanPCs

Q: Why are there vertical colored lines on my desktop?

This just started today. My computer started to get weird vertical colored lines on the screen. At first, I thought it was just the website I was on, but more and more began to appear everywhere. I unplugged my computer and plugged it back it, turned it on, and when the white screen witht he Apple logo came up, the lines were everywhere. They weren't just making vertical lines, but also squares. Later, the weirdest thing happened. I was opening a new window on Safari, and suddenly, these pyramid-shaped objects covered the screen. They were red, with a little with of blue and a tiny bit of white on them. they pointed in all directions, and the minute I moved my mouse, they dissapeared. When I hold down on the left button on the mouse and hover it over the squares and lines, about 65% of the dots dissapear. My computer is an iMac G5 from 2004 with no iSight, the model number is A1058, the software is Leopard (10.5.8), and the processor is 1.8 GHz PowerPC G5. Is there any way to fix this?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 29, 2012 1:52 PM

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Q: Why are there vertical colored lines on my desktop?

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Jun 29, 2012 11:25 PM in response to ithinkappleisbetterthanPCs
    Level 8 (39,326 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 29, 2012 11:25 PM in response to ithinkappleisbetterthanPCs

    It sounds like a fault in the iMac's graphics hardware.  However, here are some other things to consider and try.

     

    If you have not already, reset PRAM

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

     

    You sort of did a SMU (power management) reset, but you should do it following this procedure precisely

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1767

     

    When you reconnect the power cord, if it was previously connected to a "power strip" of some type (especially if it's old or overcrowded), try connecting it directly to a wall outlet by itself.  Initially power up with only the power cord connected, then connect only a standard keyboard and mouse.  Use it that way for a while, to see if those "lines" and other weird stuff come back.

     

    Check the vents (especially the ones along the bottom edge) to make sure there is no accumulation of dust blocking airflow.  That could cause overheating, and maybe the problems you observed.  Since this is the type of iMac G5 that is supposed to be easier to open up, you may want to "look inside" for dust, and anything else that looks suspicious.