Monitor Color distortion at start-up

Question

Level 1

0 points

Monitor Color distortion at start-up

When I start up my mac mini, I get a distorted, unfocused display. The colors are extremely bright mostly blue, black, red and yellow in place of normal hues. The only way I have found to correct this is to disconnect and re plug the display cable at the back of the mac unit. I am using an Acer x213w monitor. This always works, but I fear continuing this method will soon wear out the connection. Any Ideas on what may be causing this problem and how to correct it ? Thanks Darrell

os x 10.4.11, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 20, 2009 6:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

428,039 points

May 20, 2009 8:48 AM in response to dbyrd37

You say this happens when you start the mini, but does it remain that way unless you unplug it? Are you letting the operating system fully load?

Have you ever changed the PRAM battery in the mini? PRAM batteries help store information about things such as monitor configurations, and a bad battery can corrupt the memory. Perhaps start off with resetting PRAM, then if the problem persists look into getting a new battery unless you are sure it is in good condition.

[Texas Mac Man's PRAM, battery, PMU tutorial|http://www.geocities.com/texas_macman/pram.html]

[Apple's PRAM reset directions|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238]

Reply

Answer 2

dbyrd37 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2009 7:21 PM in response to Limnos

I tried the Apple Pram reset directions. No Change. I don't feel confident to attempt to change the PRAM battery myself. Perhaps I should get assistance from the Apple Store where I bought it. (Fashion Valley San Diego) If it is really easy, I may be able to buy the battery and install it, with some expert direction. I just looked at the Mac unit case, and don't think I want to attempt to open it with a screwdriver. Thanks for your help. I think we are narrowing in on a solution. Darrell

Reply

Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 20, 2009 10:49 PM in response to dbyrd37

Hi Darrel,

Does it do the same if you just sleep the Mac & wake it the next day?

Reply

Answer 4

dbyrd37 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 21, 2009 7:29 AM in response to BDAqua

No, it recovers from sleep mode intact. Darrell

Reply

Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 21, 2009 11:53 AM in response to dbyrd37

Sleep might be an option then since it's normally easier on the computer than turning off & on, and is pretty low power on Minis!?

What happens if you don't turn on the Monitor for a few minutes after the Mini starts up?

Does the Minitor & the Mini normally get started both at the same time? If so, can you warm up/startup the Monitor first for a minute or two?

Reply

Answer 6

dbyrd37 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 25, 2009 1:26 PM in response to BDAqua

Sleep mode works. But, I like to turn off the Mac when I may be away for a few days. I just now turned on the display after turning on the Mac unit and letting it warm up for 20 minutes. Same results. Magnified and distorted colors. Disconnecting and re-plugging the display cable corrected the problem. Should I take the unit to an Apple repair facility and suggest they check out and possibly replace the PRAM battery? I don't feel feel competent to open the unit case myself.

Reply

Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 25, 2009 1:56 PM in response to dbyrd37

Yes, I'd have it checked out before it gets worse.

Reply

Answer 8

dbyrd37 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 26, 2009 9:55 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks, I'll take the unit in for a checkup soon. Darrell

Reply

Answer 9

dbyrd37 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 28, 2009 4:20 PM in response to dbyrd37

I took the unit in for a check up at an Apple store. The only problem was my "Contrast Setting". I must have changed it at some point, and didn't remember doing it. Sorry to have been a bother, for such an easily fixed problem. Darrell

Reply

Answer 10

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 28, 2009 4:26 PM in response to dbyrd37

Ah well, good to hear it's OK now! 🙂

Reply

Answer 11

Kierma

Level 1

0 points

Jul 23, 2009 7:13 AM in response to dbyrd37

Darrel,
Was it the contrast settings on your monitor? I seem to be having the same issue with my mini.

Thanks,
Matthew

Reply