A desktop got knocked over and the screen started glitching. It was still acting up after a check inside, but worked normally the next day. What could explain that, and can it be trusted now?
Can a computer seem to fix itself after getting knocked over?
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p6!latch_842
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It could be an intermittent fault rather than a permanent fix. A knock can disturb a connection or damage a component in a way that only shows up sometimes. The normal picture is encouraging, but it doesn't tell you which part, if any, was damaged.
Back up anything you care about and keep an eye out for glitches or crashes. If it happens again, note what was on screen and whether it happens during startup too. That may help narrow it down.
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Check the simple connections first. A loose display cable, graphics card, or memory module could cause odd behavior after a fall. Don't assume it's the graphics card just because the picture looked bad.
Shut down and unplug the computer before checking internal parts. If you're comfortable working inside, check that the card and memory are seated properly. Otherwise, a repair shop can inspect it.
f82!wrphase_614:
Checking the monitor and cable connections is a useful first step too, before opening the case again.
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What do you mean by refreshing the graphics card? A keyboard shortcut could reset the graphics driver, which isn't the same thing as physically reseating the card. If the picture had already returned before the shortcut, that shortcut didn't fix the original problem.
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There's also the less mysterious version of this with mechanical parts. A fan that buzzes and then goes quiet may have shifted or stopped rubbing, but quiet doesn't prove the fan is healthy. Keep an ear on it and check that it's still spinning.
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p6!latch_842:
Good point. I'll keep a backup and watch for it coming back before assuming everything is fine.