My MBP desktop came up "paisley print" this morning. What gives?

Question

Using MacBook Pro, purchased Aug 2013
This morning upon wakening MBP from sleep, the desktop came up "paisley print", and then went to completely pixellated. I tried looking at PhotoShop elements first because that was the last program I used. The Edit screen came up its usual gray and black, with very little or no pixellation. I went to Preferences where everything was pix., then clicked on color, my regular desktop appeared as it should, no pix. I then clicked display and it was fine, too.  My last two Macs, one the original iMac (white dome) and the first Mac Book Pro, did similar things before dying. Can anyone give me some ideas about what is going on and what needs to be done?

Answer 1

Hi Newyorkee,
Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.
You mention that your MacBook Pro is showing pixelation or a "paisley print" on the screen.
I recommend trying these troubleshooting steps to address the issue:
Reset the system
You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.
From:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays - Apple Support
Next, try booting into Safe Mode to see if the pixelation happens there:
Starting up in Safe Mode
Follow these steps to start up into Safe Mode.
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be pressed as soon as possible after startup, but not before the startup sound.
Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
After the Apple logo appears, it may take longer than usual to reach the login screen. This is because your computer is performing a directory check as part of Safe Mode.
To leave Safe Mode, restart your computer without pressing any keys during startup.
From:
OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? - Apple Support
If the display looks the same after trying all of these steps, the article above recommends contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider:
If you tried all of these steps for your display and the video issues persist, contact Apple technical support or take your Apple computer to the nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for diagnosis. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).
Note: Diagnostic fees may apply for issues not covered under warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP).
Best Regards,
Jeremy