My monitor has been acting up today. The screen image seems to "bounce" sideways, stretching the image beyond the borders of the screen, then back. It does this at intervals, and at times it even turns the monitor off (some times it turns back on, some times it doesn't).

I've eliminated any chance of this being a virus. It happened first under Linux, then without GUI, then during boot, then Windows.

My hardware:
AMD Athlon 1800+ 1,53GHz
768MB RAM
MSI GeForce 4 MX 440 64MB
19" CRT monitor

I can imagine 3 things happening:
1. My monitor is a year old and overworked, and is dying.
2. My video card is old and messing up, and I finally have a good excuse for upgrading before PCI Express gets here.
3. My power company are being jerks...

Can someone help me narrow my list down?

Try the monitor on another computer.

Definitely the monitor. Seems like something's loose. It gets a floating effect if I push it, image going right and left, then shutting off before turning back on. Damn, I had hoped it'd be something else, I like this monitor...

Certainly the best test is to try it on another Computer as gwallen4 suggested. (Or borrow a different Monitor to try on yours).

However:Seems like something's loose. It gets a floating effect if I push it, image going right and left, then shutting off before turning back on. I assume you've checked to be sure the cables are all snug- Including the AC Power cable, Video Card seated properly etc.

Well, I'm sure you know the routine. (Seems a shame, and a bit unusual that it's only a year old....Any Warranty left?)

I must say, those are weird symptoms the way you describe them.

In an unrelated little story, reminds me of the first time my Wife tried my Computer....She was trying to move the Monitor to get the Mouse pointer to a different spot. :p
When I tried to explain, she yelled at me and said "she had her own way of doing it".

Needless to say, I don't touch her Sewing Machine, and she isn't allowed anywhere near my Computers. :D

By something loose, I meant something inside the monitor seemed to be out of place, making the picture shake.
My little brother's monitor worked perfectly with Windows (after some adjustioans on the monitor itself, of course), but not at all with Linux...I'll fix it tomorrow...

Women have been the most stubborn beings lately. Ever since their liberation started, it's all "I can do it MYSELF, just as good as any MAN, and YOU'RE not gonna teach ME this..."

Yep...Sounds like it's time to go Monitor shopping. :(

Um...and be careful voice- There are some VERY knowledgeable Computer Ladies here....My Wife just isn't one of them. ;) :p

Just two more things:

1) Take the video cable out of the video card and make sure there is NO bent pins. Blow off all dust. You would be surprised what a little dust on the pins can do.

2) Try your monitor on another computer. If it's still bad. then it is the monitor.

If the monitor is a year old, it will probably be under warranty, so the best thing to do is take it back if possible.

DO NOT under any circumstances, go poking around in the back trying to fix things if the problem is internal unless you are a competent electronics engineer. There are some seriously dangerous voltages in there, even with the unit switched off.

If you can't get the unit back to where you bought it, or if it would prove too expensive, the chances are that it will be cheaper to replace than take to a repair-shop; but check the prices anyway.

I'm given, by national laws, free repair/replacement with all shipping expenses paid...

Originally posted by voice-
I'm given, by national laws, free repair/replacement with all shipping expenses paid...

Then if it isn't due to a dusty/loose cable, you just answered your own question:D

I seriously doubt it's a bent pin (had that before with another screen) or dust since it had been hooked and working for over a month before starting this...