24" iMac (1st Gen\White), Graphics Problem(s)

Question

Hi, I will have had my iMac for two years on Thursday (Christmas present, in a way) and it is currently starting to exhibit some weird graphical problems, horizontal lines are appearing in various applications, at random times, but the weird thing is that they stay in that app when i move the window around and I can take snapshots of them. I posted some to my MobileMe Gallery: http://gallery.me.com/mam693#100105
I installed Leopard on an iPod and those lines even showed up on the install DVD as well as the clean iPod making me believe its a hardware issue.
Now, I have been reading that other people have had similar problems and have had to pay around $800 to get it fixed, if anyone could confirm, I would greatly appreciate it. Or if anyone has any other suggestions they would be gladly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt

Answer 1

Hello,
This sounds like a video card issue but if you haven't done so, check the hard disk for errors.
To check the hard disk:
Open Disk Utility, in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
Insert your Mac OS X Install disc in your computer’s optical drive or an optical drive connected to your computer, and then restart your computer. When you hear the startup tone, hold down the C key until you see the progress indicator, which looks like a spinning gear.
Follow the onscreen instructions until the Menu Bar appears with the Utilities menu in it, choose Utilities > Disk Utility, click First Aid, and then click the Verify button. If DU reports errors, click Repair. When it's finished, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Disk. In the Startup Disk window select MacintoshHD 10.x.x and click Restart.
If it were me, I'd back the system up and erase the drive just to make sure it isn't a hardware issue and not have to shell out $$$$$.
Reinstalling Mac OS X
Under some circumstances, you may need to reinstall Mac OS X. You can reinstall Mac OS X while keeping your files and user settings intact.
NOTE: To reinstall Mac OS X from another computer on your network, see this topic:
Using Remote Install Mac OS X
To reinstall Mac OS X:
Insert the Mac OS X Install DVD and double-click the Install Mac OS X icon.
Follow the onscreen instructions. In the pane where you select the destination disk, select your current Mac OS X disk (in most cases, it will be the only one available).
Click Options.
If you want to save your existing files, users, and network settings, select “Archive and Install,” and then select “Preserve Users and Network Settings.”
If you want to erase everything on your computer and reinstall Mac OS X, select “Erase and Install.” You can’t recover erased data.
Click Continue.
Click Customize to select which parts of Mac OS X you’d like to install, or click Install to perform a basic installation (recommended).
NOTE: If you selected “Erase and Install” in step 3, you may need to use the Applications Install DVD that came with your computer to reinstall your iLife applications (GarageBand, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and iWeb). If you are prompted to use the Applications Install DVD, insert the Applications Install DVD, double-click the Install Bundled Software icon, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
If you purchased a standalone version of Mac OS X, these installation instructions are in a PDF file located on the Mac OS X Install DVD.
If you need to reinstall the version of Mac OS X that was on your computer when you purchased it, or if you need to restore all the software on your computer, including Apple software, third-party applications, and other printer drivers, review the instructions in the manual that came with your computer.
If you need to reinstall Mac OS X and you’ve been using Time Machine for backup, you can easily restore your applications, files, and user settings from your Time Machine backup disk after you’ve reinstalled Mac OS X.
Happy Holidays!!!
Carolyn
Message was edited by: Carolyn Samit