my screen is flickering. Is it a virus?

Question

my screen is flickering. Is it a virus?

Hi.

I have recently come across this issue.

My iMac screen started to flicker intensely and then crashed. I was looking at a site on Chrome and this flickering started to appear. Could it be a virus/malware. I didn't download anything. I've restarted the computer and immediately the problem occurred.

I started it in safe more and it works better but still there is a little flicker when animation needs to happen within the window (EG finder, chrome browser, not that much in firefox, notepad and more.)

I've uploaded a video to Youtube to show you what I am talking about : http://youtu.be/VWRZzMhFE94

Model Name: iMac

Model Identifier: iMac12,2

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 3.4 GHz

System Version: OS X 10.10.1 (14B25)

Kernel Version: Darwin 14.0.0

Boot Volume: Macintosh HD

Boot Mode: Safe

Secure Virtual Memory: Enabled

Time since boot: 46 minutes

I don't have Time machine.

Would you recommend copying all the docs I have on a external computer and format the computer?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 19, 2015 5:46 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

215,640 points

Jan 19, 2015 12:48 PM in response to markusfromsydney

Check to see if your iMac qualifies for this Graphic Card recall: iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program - Apple Support.

I have a 12,2 iMac but had different symptoms. The card was replaced by Apple. If your Mac qualifies you have 4 years from the date of purchase to get it fixed.

But be sure to do the backups that Linc recommends. One can't be too careful with the data.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,562 points

Jan 19, 2015 7:47 AM in response to markusfromsydney

Flickering is usually a hardware problem - graphics card or screen issue. Aside from the etrecheck, I'd suggest running the Apple Hardware Test (extended mode, at least two runs) and/or taking it to your nearest Genius Bar for a free diagnosis.

Using Apple Hardware Test - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Jan 19, 2015 12:18 PM in response to markusfromsydney

I suggest you shut down the computer immediately and don't turn it on again until you have at least one external hard drive (two or more recommended) to dedicate to backup. Each backup drive must have at least enough capacity to hold all the data on the internal drive comfortably, as well as any data that you have on secondary drives. Then follow the instructions in this support article.

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Answer 4

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Jan 19, 2015 7:43 AM in response to markusfromsydney

Very unlikely to be a virus, very unlikely. Suggest you download and apply this app which will report on your system (nothing private). Then publish the report here. It won't necessarily lead to solving the problem but it may give us some clues to work on.

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

If you don't have Time Machine, what do you use for back ups ... which you absolutely MUST have.

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