My comp. monitor has aquired a few red lines going vertically across the screen. The aren't solid, and look something like the prints that would happen if the screen had been run through a bad roller on a printer.

If your answer is to buy a new monitor, that'll have to wait.

Any idea what might be causing it, and how to correct it.

Sgt.U.S.ARMY, Infantry Sniper, Iraq Combat Veteran

Well, How old is the monitor? it sounds like it is going bad. Still under warranty?

Try any second hand store or yard sales, you can pick one up for around 20 bucks...

LCD Flat screen, right?

If it's under warranty, take it back; depending on who/where, you'll probably get a factory refurb as a replacement!

If it's not under warranty, it's time to buy a new one, unless it's a really good Samsung, ViewSonic, Sony, or MagInnovision!

If you paid under $200.00 for it, it won't be worth the cost of repair!

It's not something that you can deal with yourself (I sell/repair office equipment).

Is it LCD or CRT (does andbody use those anymore)?

CRT-bad deflector circuit. Requires 2M.

LCD- There are many things that can cause this on newer monitors. First is to get a new cable connector. All cables have a limited lifespan, so your may have passed it's usable date.

The next thing is a cracked solder joint. Turn everything on and then give it a few wacks along the chassis (the side framing). Not too hard, but enough to give it a little jostle. Does the line stay?

Then, there is the worst. A bad rendering chip. I don't know if that is what it is called, but that is what it does. It is usually a few DIPs, an IC and a few resistors and capacitors (maybe a few diodes). If that is the case, then it is usually costly to fix even though the cost of the parts (all of them) is less than $10-$20. So, you would be better to just upgrade on a new monitor.

All of these problems with the exception of the cable are not usually found on a CRT. Deflector circuits are usually very robust as they are most analog circuits and have sturdy (and cheap) components. As for the cracked solder joint. Well, that is found in just about all post 1990s electronics after a while. The now have machines placing and soldering components and the really skimp on the solder. I have had to fix around 30 of the major electronic or electrical products that I have bought. So, everything that I buy now gets cracked open and resoldered.

If it ends up being a solder joint problem then I can walk you through it. All it requires is basic soldering skills and the ability to take something apart and put it back together.