pixelated screen, virus? hardware prob?

i've got the exact same problem. if you get any info on a solution please let me know. i'll let you know if i find anything out.

thanks-

bob

Could you be a bit more specific? When does it happen? Do you have a second monitor attached?

Just for fun, run the "Apple Hardware Test" CD that came with your Mac.
(Switch on and insert CD right afterwards, hold down "c" until you get the hardware test screen.)

on mine it seems to happen when i've been web browsing (lately that's when i spend the most time). the screen seems to deteriorate and the print starts to fade and grows increasingly worse with pixelation (almost cross hatched) until the screen freezes and message comes up to hold down start button to restart. after restart it can happen again. i ran hardware test last night and no problems showed up. does the screen flash w/ different patterns while test goes on? mine did.

since last night it has not acted up.

any help is greatly appreciated-

bob

Robert,

you're experiencing a kernel panic. (Grey screen telling you to shut down in different languages) Read Dr. Smoke's Resolving Kernel Panics

thanks. i checked out he link. the computer is only 4mos. old. is this a warranty issue?

bob

Hardware damage would be a warranty issues, yet kernel panics can be software related as well. Try the different steps.

Besides that, you can always call Apple or go to an Apple store. They might tell you it's the hardware and depending where you live, there's a really good chance to get your computer repaired in under a week.


Can you reproduce that screen issue or does it happen randomly?

i'll try the fix you sent. i don't live near an apple store but will be in atlanta in 2 wks; so that's an option. i don't seem to be able to recreate the problem. it is fairly random.

I had the same problem with my first 12" rev-b PB two years ago. It is a hardware issue. I think it has something to do with a faulty video card. Since the problem was discovered within the 10 days of purchase, it was considered DOA and replaced at the Apple Store.

You should definitely consider calling AppleCare US (800) 275-2273 (or international #s)

They will probably guide you through a bunch of steps like resetting PRAM and NVRAM to make sure it's hardware related. Might be a bit difficult since your issue doesn't occur "on demand", yet if you can convince them nicely, they'll usually fedex/UPS you an empty box for your PB and repair it within a few days. (free)

Run the Apple hardware test CD that came with your computer.

Always backup you're data. (Not implying, Apple is going to drop your PB or anything. Just a general precaution.)