Part of screen goes black, intermittently

[Poet8]

Hello,

All of the sudden, tonight about one-third of my screen in the upper left corner has started going black.  It seems to have started spontaneously as I was checking my email -- I didn't click anything weird or anything.

This blacked-out rectangle comes and goes, sometimes expanding a bit in size.  When I restart the computer it is gone at first, but quickly comes back.  But even when it's there, I can still see links etc. when I hover over them.  So I suspect it's not the monitor itself.  Could it be my graphics card?  When I open a new window, the black area flickers at first, before settling back to being all black there.

On the off-chance it's a virus or malware, I am posting a HJT log.  MBAM and Webroot have turned up no problems, though.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much.

PS: The computer is a 7-year-old Dell Dimension 4600, with an Intel 82865G Graphics Controller, and a standard Dell flat-screen monitor from the time.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 19:24:36, on 03/03/2011
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRConsumerService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\UPHClean\uphclean.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\current\plugins\antimalware\AEI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hphmon06.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugin-container.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HiJackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEToolbarHelper Class - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon06] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\hphmon06.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebrootTrayApp] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Documents and Settings\Mike\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe"
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} (QuickTime Object) - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20061205/qtinstall.info.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: AdobeVersionCue - Adobe Sytems - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\service\VersionCue.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. (www.webroot.com) - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\current\plugins\antimalware\AEI.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Client Service (WRConsumerService) - Webroot Software, Inc.  - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Security\Current\Framework\WRConsumerService.exe

--
End of file - 6471 bytes

[Hoov]

Is the computer heating up? Feel the exhaust vent and see if it is hot, or if there is low airflow. Also turn the computer off for the night and see if it happens again first thing when the computer is dead cold. If not, but it comes back after the computer has been running, then check the inside of the computer for dust. Also is the video card part of the motherboard or a separate card? If it is a separate card, pull it out, and then reinstall the card. Last, take a look at the video cable. See if it has been damaged at all, bent sharply, pinched, has had the covering ripped, or chewed thru, or otherwise damaged. Also while watching the monitor, wiggle the cable ends and see what happens. Also gently bend the cable from end to end, don't fold it sharply, just flex it back and forth to see if there is a problem.

As for the malware issue, if we don't come up with a physical problem with the hardware, I will move this thread over to the malware removal board so we can go thru that process.

[Poet8]

Hello Hoov,

Thanks for your reply.  I opened the computer and the fans appear to be working fine.  There was a little dust, but not much, and didn't seem to be blocking airflow.  The cables seem fine and nothing happens when I try to wiggle them around a bit.  The video card seem to be glued or welded to the motherboard.

But, the problem has not (yet) returned today.  So I don't know.   Last night when it was happening, it did seem like I could maybe feel some hot air in the area of the vents/fans, but like I said everything seems to be clear, no major dust blockage, fans operating aok.  So, I'm not sure what to think now.  I suppose I could keep an eye on it for a day or two and let you know if the problem reoccurs.  Or did you have any other thoughts?  Thanks again.

[Hoov]

It could be a power problem as well. How stable is your electrical service? Do your lights flicker? How about your TV? Other than that, you mention fans as in plural. Do they both push or pull air into the computer? Or is one pushing air out with the other drawing the air in? If the fans are not set properly, then heat may not be removed efficiently.

[Poet8]

The electrical service is fine.  The computer does have 2 fans -- one in the middle of the back panel that seems to be pushing warm air out, and one that's part of the power supply unit which seems to suck air in.  Is this a problem?  Thanks.

[Hoov]

Nope. Go ahead and run it, and see if you can tell if it gets hot.

[Poet8]

Well, the problem hasn't happened since that first time.  There's some warmish air being blown out the back, but it doesn't seem exceedingly hot.  So I don't know....

[Hoov]

That is definitely odd. The warm air is normal. The Power supply in the computer generates it when it is converting AC to DC. No worries there. Do you have any programs that are massively graphics intensive, one of the newer first person shooter type of games would be perfect.

[Poet8]

No, no programs like that.  I'm not a gamer.  I haven't put any new programs on my computer in ages, and nothing that's crazily graphics-intensive.  I don't get it....

[Hoov]

Basically what I was wondering is if you had something to stress the graphics card with. But no matter, we can get you something else to run. PassMark Burn in test will work for what we need. You can download and run the trial version of it. Go ahead and set it up to do all the tests except for destructive tests. Then let it run for a couple hours and see if the black artifact comes back.

[Poet8]

Downloaded and ran BurnIn test -- After about half an hour I got a flashing "FAIL" response.  The black artifact didn't return during the test, but just now, after having run the test and restarted I've just noticed some aspects of it -- not the full black rectangle, but smaller parts of the screen going black off & on, and showing part of an image from a different Firefox tab I have open.

Just to let you know, running BurnIn caused my internet connection to stop working.  Just having the program open, I mean (before I even ran the test).

I'm posting in part of the BurnIn log (the rest of it lists every process and goes on for very long).

PassMark BurnInTest Log file  -  http://www.passmark.com
========================================================

Date: 03/06/11 20:50:55

BurnInTest V6.0 Std 1028
Logging detail level: Normal

*** Unlicensed Shareware Version ***

**************
SYSTEM SUMMARY
**************
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 build 2600 (32-bit),
1 x Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz,
1.2GB RAM,
Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller,
37GB HDD,
DVD, CD-RW/DVD,

GENERAL
System Name: DJYT1X41
System Model: Dimension 4600i
Motherboard Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corp.
Motherboard Name: 0F4491
Motherboard Serial Number: ..CN4811142O07FO.
BIOS Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
BIOS Version: A09
BIOS Release Date: 02/20/2004

CPU
CPU manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Type: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
CPUID: Family F, Model 2, Stepping 9
Physical CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 1
Hyperthreading: Disabled
CPU features: MMX SSE SSE2 PAE
Clock frequencies:
   Measured CPU speed: 2793.0 MHz
Cache per CPU package:
   Trace Cache: 12 K-uops
   L1 Data Cache: Unknown
   L2 Cache: Unknown

MEMORY
Total Physical Memory: 1278MB
Available Physical Memory: 852MB
Memory devices:
   CHANNEL A DIMM 0:
   - 128MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL B DIMM 0:
   - 128MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL A DIMM 1:
   - 1024MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL B DIMM 1:
   - Not populated
Virtual memory: C:\pagefile.sys (allocated base size 1277MB)

GRAPHICS
Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
   Chip Type: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
   DAC Type: Internal
   Memory: 96MB
   BIOS: Intel Video BIOS
   Monitor 1: 1024x768x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

DISK VOLUMES
A:  Floppy
C:  Local drive, NTFS, (37.21GB total, 17.40GB free)
D:  Optical drive
E:  Optical drive
F:  Removable
G:  Removable

DISK DRIVES
Disk drive: Model WDC WD400BB-75FJA1 (Size: 37.25GB)

Disk drive: Model Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 USB Device (Size: 0.96GB)

OPTICAL DRIVES
HP DVD Writer 1040d
SONY CD-RW CRX216E

NETWORK
Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

PORTS
Conexant D850 56K V.9x DFVc Modem: COM3 - Modem Device (max Baud rate: 128000)
Communications Port: COM1 - RS232 Serial Port (max Baud rate: 115200)
Parallel port: LPT1
Keyboard Port: PS/2  connector
Mouse Port: PS/2  connector
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D2
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D4
   - HP Photosmart 8100 series (SN: MY4881K094040Z)
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D7
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24DE
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
   - Manufacturer_Realtek Belkin Wireless G USB Adapter (SN: 00e04c000001)
   - Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 (SN: 5B731BB51172)

**************
RESULT SUMMARY
**************
Test Start time: Sun Mar 06 20:35:14 2011
Test Stop time: Sun Mar 06 20:50:16 2011
Test Duration: 000h 15m 02s

Test Name                   Cycles   Operations      Result Errors   Last Error
                      CPU   191      67.387 Billion  PASS   0        No errors
             Memory (RAM)   3        4.958 Billion   PASS   0        No errors
              2D Graphics   9        9338            PASS   0        No errors
        Optical disk (D:)   0        0               FAIL   171      Error while searching for files on optical data disk
        Optical disk (E:)   0        0               FAIL   171      Error while searching for files on optical data disk
                    Sound   9        15.854 Million  PASS   0        No errors
                Disk (A:)   0        0               FAIL   3        No media detected in drive
                Disk (C:)   10       8.531 Billion   PASS   0        No errors
TEST RUN FAILED

[Hoov]

Were there any errors that are not related to the CD or DVD drives?

[Poet8]

No errors noted -- I just got a flashing FAIL message, then the test ended.  The screen blacking out thing happened after I then restarted the computer.  Nothing since then.

[Hoov]

Lets run it this way, open the Burn in test. Then go to configuration and select the test selection and duty cycles. Then select all the tests except the optical drives, printers and drives, then click OK. Now go back to configuration and select on preferences. In the logging tab, select the box to turn on automatic logging, then click OK. Note where the log is going to be written to. Now go ahead and start the test again. Once it is done, open the log and paste the contents here. Hopefully that will log in whatever fails.

[Poet8]

I ran it as specified, without the drives, printer, optical drive.  This time it passed the test.  As before, opening the program caused the internet to stop being functional.  Here is the log of the test:

PassMark BurnInTest Log file  -  http://www.passmark.com
========================================================

Date: 03/06/11 23:13:23

BurnInTest V6.0 Std 1028
Logging detail level: Normal

*** Unlicensed Shareware Version ***

**************
SYSTEM SUMMARY
**************
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 build 2600 (32-bit),
1 x Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz,
1.2GB RAM,
Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller,
37GB HDD,
DVD, CD-RW/DVD,

GENERAL
System Name: DJYT1X41
System Model: Dimension 4600i
Motherboard Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corp.
Motherboard Name: 0F4491
Motherboard Serial Number: .....811142O07FO.
BIOS Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
BIOS Version: A09
BIOS Release Date: 02/20/2004

CPU
CPU manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Type: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
CPUID: Family F, Model 2, Stepping 9
Physical CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 1
Hyperthreading: Disabled
CPU features: MMX SSE SSE2 PAE
Clock frequencies:
   Measured CPU speed: 2793.2 MHz
Cache per CPU package:
   Trace Cache: 12 K-uops
   L1 Data Cache: Unknown
   L2 Cache: Unknown

MEMORY
Total Physical Memory: 1278MB
Available Physical Memory: 931MB
Memory devices:
   CHANNEL A DIMM 0:
   - 128MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL B DIMM 0:
   - 128MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL A DIMM 1:
   - 1024MB, 333MHz,
   CHANNEL B DIMM 1:
   - Not populated
Virtual memory: C:\pagefile.sys (allocated base size 1277MB)

GRAPHICS
Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
   Chip Type: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
   DAC Type: Internal
   Memory: 96MB
   BIOS: Intel Video BIOS
   Monitor 1: 1024x768x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

DISK VOLUMES
A:  Floppy
C:  Local drive, NTFS, (37.21GB total, 17.40GB free)
D:  Optical drive
E:  Optical drive
F:  Removable
G:  Removable

DISK DRIVES
Disk drive: Model WDC WD400BB-75FJA1 (Size: 37.25GB)

Disk drive: Model Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 USB Device (Size: 0.96GB)

OPTICAL DRIVES
HP DVD Writer 1040d
SONY CD-RW CRX216E

NETWORK
Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

PORTS
Conexant D850 56K V.9x DFVc Modem: COM3 - Modem Device (max Baud rate: 128000)
Communications Port: COM1 - RS232 Serial Port (max Baud rate: 115200)
Parallel port: LPT1
Keyboard Port: PS/2  connector
Mouse Port: PS/2  connector
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D2
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D4
   - HP Photosmart 8100 series (SN: MY4881K094040Z)
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D7
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24DE
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
   - Manufacturer_Realtek Belkin Wireless G USB Adapter (SN: 00e04c000001)
   - Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 (SN: 5B731BB51172)
******************
DETAILED EVENT LOG
******************
LOG NOTE:    2011-03-06 23:13:23, Status, PassMark BurnInTest V6.0 Std 1028
LOG NOTE:    2011-03-06 23:13:24, Status, Main Tests started
LOG NOTE:    2011-03-06 23:13:24, CPU, 3DNow! SSE3 SSE4.1 SSE4.2 SSE4a test(s) selected, but CPU feature not detected
LOG NOTE:    2011-03-06 23:28:26, Status, Test run stopped

**************
RESULT SUMMARY
**************
Test Start time: Sun Mar 06 23:13:23 2011
Test Stop time: Sun Mar 06 23:28:25 2011
Test Duration: 000h 15m 02s

Test Name                   Cycles   Operations      Result Errors   Last Error
                      CPU   191      69.544 Billion  PASS   0        No errors
             Memory (RAM)   3        5.393 Billion   PASS   0        No errors
              2D Graphics   8        8358            PASS   0        No errors
                    Sound   9        16.163 Million  PASS   0        No errors
TEST RUN PASSED

*******************************************
SERIOUS ERROR SUMMARY FOR THE LAST TEST RUN
*******************************************

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