Purple Line on my iMac Screen

Hi, i got a serious problem and i need help.
Sometimes when i'm using my mac, it appears a very thin purple line! And in a randomly space of time it disapears. My first thought was like "OMG! Calm down... maybe that's broken pixels." So i used a widget called PIXEL FIX to fix the pixels, but nothing happened. When i put to sleep the line disapears for like 2 seconds.
When i was writing this thread there was no line, and then the line appeared again.
I hope you understanded.

Actually, TechTool (and similar products) is not a good way to test RAM properly. If an error is reported it likely does have an error yes, but if no error is reported it doesn't necessarily mean anything. RAM has been the cause of stranger issues and I have seen RAM causing this very issue many times. Other strong candidates are the main logic board, video card, LVDS cable, a loose LVDS cable or the LCD panel itself.
Basic steps like resetting PRAM can help all manner of issues and is nearly always a good place to start. While it may not fix the issue, it may well fix the issue which leads to the issue you are actually noticing. I'm not saying it isn't an LCD panel issue, it may well be, but it might not be; leave that to a qualified technician to determine scientifically.
I am sorry you and many others have had bad experiences in this area, but it's never as wide-spread as it appears to be. No one is taking advantage by not providing a free fix for a machine that is out of warranty, or for not repairing an issue not covered by warranty. Similarly, if the issue is not re-create-able in the repair centre you can't expect a technician to fix it.
Finally I would like to say that calling people an idiot for purchasing an "Apple LCD" is just ludicrous. Not only is it completely irrational, but Apple don't even manufacture the LCD panels they use.

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see > How to identify iMac models
Sadly display lines generally indicate a problem with either the Display or the Graphic's Chip.
To check, take a screen shot of the display using the (Command Shift 3) keys and open it.
If the line is only seen on the Display and not in a screen shot, then it would most likely indicate a Display problem.
If the line shows up in a screen shot, then it would most likely indicate a Graphic's Ciip problem.

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So, I was browsing Safari using my iMac the other day (as I always do), when my computer froze and I had to force shut down. Upon starting back up, I noticed that 1. there were coloured diagonal lines on my iMac screen, and 2. that my mac would not boot up unless I booted it using safe mode. I haven't had an issue with this iMac until now, so I am kind of concerned...
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Yes, it does require some disassembly. Namely, removing the glass, screen and the GPU component. Total war could probably develop temperatures too high.
I don't know how familiar you are with reflowing. This is only a crash introduction, to get an idea what reflowing might include (i.e. not a detailed procedure)...
Reflowing theory to give you some background. Here and here in more detail.
To get familiar with iMac (only steps 1 through 9 apply). After that, GPU component can be taken out, and from that point on, the work is done on the GPU component.
GPU component is then disassembled in 3 key parts. The heatsink, the reinforcement, and the video card itself.
The video card and the heat sink are then cleaned carefully using alcohol from any residue of thermal compound. Any paper stickers must be peeled off, too.
Reflowing. Videos to get an idea how it is done. Here and here.
New thermal compound is applied.
Assembly.
It is a risky approach, especially if you are not comfortable with disassembling your iMac. In that case I would suggest you do not do that at all. Still, even then, I hoped it could give some clue to the issue and you might get someone to do it for you.
Cheers

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First thing to try is to reset your device. Press and hold the Home and Sleep buttons simultaneously ignoring the red slider should one appear until the Apple logo appears. Let go of the buttons and let the device restart. See if that fixes your problem.
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 Cheers, Tom

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First the screen went all blocky so I turned off the iMac via the button at the back. When I switched it back on I was created with loads of pink vertical lines then a grey screen.
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Seems like others have seen this …
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OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? - Apple Support

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How do I run in extended mode?
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Model Identifier:          iMac5,1
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Anyone know what causes thin vertical lines on my iMac screen?

Anyone know what causes thin vertical lines to appear on my iMac screen?

Hello,
Have you blown the dust out lately?
Get Temperature Monitor to see if it's heat related...
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/12381/temperature-monitor
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What can I do about the vertical lines on my iMac screen?

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Applecare expired already.
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Message was edited by: Richie Ni

I have exactly the same problem on my 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac. If I use Safari for a few hours the window burns in leaving grey colored lines. They will disappear if I turn off the display and leave it off for a few hours, but they come back very fast.
So I called Apple last week and they suspect my screen is defective. They asked me to take the machine to a Service Provider. I brought it in on Friday so I'm waiting for the result.
I've had 4 of these iMacs (the first 3 had defects) and the first 3 did absolutely note have this issue. So I hope they can fix it.

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I have a 24" 3.06 GHz iMac (purchased in August 2008) and noticed after about a half hour of running basic programs (Mail, iTunes, Firefox) I start to get horizontal lines near the top and bottom of my screen. Then if I watch a full screen video I can see my dock icons look almost transparent through the video. I took my iMac into the Apple store last month and told them about it and they kept it for 3 days and ran their "tests" and stressed the computer out to get it to do it for them but they couldn't replicate the problem. They suggested that it might be my cordless phone is too close to the screen and the frequency of the cordless phone could be causing the problem but I tried moving the phone and it still does it. When the display is off for hours and I turn it back on the lines are not there, but once I have it on for a half hour they come back and don't go away until I power off or sleep the display. I've attached a few pics of what I'm experiencing. Thank you very much.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0090.jpg

Since the Apple Store folks could not replicate the problem, you may want to consider a cause that is part of your particular environment.
For example, if you use a power strip (surge suppressor), what else is connected to the same power strip? Is it possible that you may have too many power-hungry devices connected to the same single wall outlet, and the iMac is not getting sufficient power? Or maybe it's some electrical interference with another device on the same circuit? As a test, try disconnecting everything else, and see if the problem recurs, or connect the iMac directly to a wall outlet by itself to see if the problem recurs.
Try moving the iMac to a different location in your home and running it to see if the problem recurs.

Lines on 24" iMac Screen - Possible Burn in?

Yesterday I suddenly noticed I had these lines on my screen, no idea where they came from, on the *left side*, about 3 inches long.
(Sorry for the bad photo - was the best I could get (looks worse looking at it) - spots are dust on sensor.)
I have also just noticed, some names of files that have also appeared on the screen! (Can't see them on the photo)
Is this burn in?
I noticed the iMac was very hot last night too, as well as the brightness was at its highest (never is usually). Could this have caused it?
I have had the iMac since it came out, and never before has this happened, the names that have 'burnt in' have been there only a week!
Now I am crapping myself about this! Would this actually burned into the LCD or the Glass in front of it?
As a Graphic Designer, this is going to annoy the **** out of me!
Is there any way to fix it/will it go away?
Please Help!
Message was edited by: iBookUserUK

I have exactly the same problem on my 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac. If I use Safari for a few hours the window burns in leaving grey colored lines. They will disappear if I turn off the display and leave it off for a few hours, but they come back very fast.
So I called Apple last week and they suspect my screen is defective. They asked me to take the machine to a Service Provider. I brought it in on Friday so I'm waiting for the result.
I've had 4 of these iMacs (the first 3 had defects) and the first 3 did absolutely note have this issue. So I hope they can fix it.

Lines on my imac screen

About 3 months ago some horizontal lines started to appear in the screen of my imac, it does not have garantee anymore, and everyday it gets worst. Is there any thing I can do, or just spend the $$ on a new screen

A new display will run about $600 USD. At least that's what AppleCare picked up when they replaced the one on my 27" iMac.

Purple Line on the Screen

There's a purple line on my iMac screen. How can I fix it? Is my LCD screen damaged?

Welcome John!
Based on the images, the original poster seems to have a newer iMac than is covered in this forum; that may be why there have been no responses.
Assuming you have an Intel-based iMac, I suggest that you start a new thread here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=189
If your iMac has a G5 processor, that forum is here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=134
I know some forums frown on people starting new threads, but you should never be afraid to do so here. The Apple Discussions set-up works best that way, and you get the help you need without diluting help that the original poster deserves. The other problem with tagging onto an old thread is that some people do not reread older threads that have been inactive for months.
If you do have the G4 iMac (domed based with the screen mounted on a metal flex neck like a desk lamp) then please start a new thread in this forum. That should get you the attention you need.
Post often!
Allan

Purple Line on my iMac Screen

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