Crash Lines all over my AR31S

[bpshah]

My computer Vaio VGN-AR31S has crashed, all the colours on the screen became garbled and then i got a blue screen. On restarting their are vertical lines running down the screen. The laptop only boots up in safe mode , but even so the lines remain. Leaving the laptop off for a few hours allows it to start normally for a few minutes, but then the lines are back and system crashes. The propblem is exactly the same as posted here by another user which includes screen shots:

http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/gb/en/forum/viewthread?thread=59445&offset=0

Is there a solution to this problem, is it the video adapter or does the laptop need replacing. I have done a full resore and the same problem keeps returning, is it possible to replace just the video adapter, could it be overheating? Would appreciate any help, can't believe a £2k laptop can die so soon.

[Thalamus.]

Hi bps1,

to help to diagnose wether this is a screen or graphics problem I suggest you try connecting your Vaio to an external monitor, do you still have the same problem.?

Do you get the same problem when in safe mode.?

To enter safe mode restart your Vaio and when you see the Vaio logo press the F8 key repeatedly..

Do you get the same problem in the BIOS?

To enter the BIOS restart your Vaio and when you see the Vaio logo press the F2 key repeatedly..

To exit the BIOS press F9 to reset the BIOS to default and press F10 to save and exit..

FYI Sony released a statement confirming that some Vaio models can have distorted video, random characters or blank screen issues due to failure of the NVIDIA graphics chip.

The models concerned are as follows..

VGN-FZ11x, VGN-FZ18x, VGN-FZ21x, VGN-FZ31x, VGN-FZ38x
VGN-AR11x, VGN-AR21x, VGN-AR31x
VGN-C1Zx, VGN-C2Zx
VGC-LM1xx, VGC-LM2xx
VGC-LT1xx, VGC-LT2xx

So if you are sure this is a graphics problem then I suggest you contact Vaio support, use the following link to find the contact details: Sony Vaio Support

[bpshah]

Yes, it hapens in safe mode and bios. Somtimes it works fine for about an hour and then same problem. Have contacted Sony any they have offered to look, however if they find it is not nvidia related and you don't accept repair cost they will charge £55 just to send it back!! Have all the symptoms as previous poster so fingers crossed.

[Thalamus.]

Have all the symptoms as previous poster so fingers crossed.

Hi bps1,

lets hope so too..

Not sure if you are aware, or if the prices are any good, but Sony have recently introduced Sony service partners who are authorised to perform service or repairs on OOW VAIO's - further information can be found by clicking on the following link: Sony service partners