Why is my computer acting like a TV channel that is off?

CRT? Operating a microwave oven nearby? Plugged in all the way?

Laptop. Just have the TV on, no microwave. Plugged in all the way.

What kind of laptop?

HP. I have to turn it off and on several times to get it to work. Then it will do it again later in the day.

You’re likely losing the integrated video card, an internal cable is not seated properly or the display itself is dying. Probably bad news.

^I gave you a GA for answering, but not for the bad news. :-)

Trip to the PC Doctor !

Yeah sorry, it’s a tell-tale sign of component failure on of your circuit boards. It’s worth a shot to take it apart and reseat everything especially if it’s a high end HP. The last cheap HP I took apart was junk inside though.

Mine is a cheap one. I’ll buy better quality next time.

The department store machines are garbage. I just got my wife a refurbished buisiness class dell for about $300. I opened it to upgrade the ram an it’s top notch inside.

Does the laptop have a video output such as HDMI, DVI, VGA?

You could try a external monitor and see if that works.

It does have an HDMI output. So how do I do that?

Hook it up to a tv, it’ll help narrow it to the video circuitry or your display.

Is it hot? Are the vents open and free from dust?
It’s possible there is a marginal connection and the boards are moving from heat build up.
I’d turn it off, then gently vacuum the vents to get the dust and hair out of them so they flow.
That “fix” is free to try. If the problem persists then you’ve got bad news.

It does get really hot a lot of times. I’ll try that. Thanks!

Well? Did vacuuming fix it? The suspense is killing me!

It hasn’t happened again. Yet. Fingers crossed. But it hasn’t been getting hot either.

If your fan was clogged up with dust and hair and shit overheating could cause all kinds of odd things like that.

Hopefully that took care of it. I wasn’t really prepared to buy a new computer right now.

Great! Vacuuming the vents will make a big difference in air flow and will help keep it cool.
Another thing to try is to use your laptop on a flat, smooth surface. Some people use them on their laps or in bed which allows the bedding to cover and block the vents.

While the warm air on your legs may feel good for you it is hell for the PC. Like fine wine and good cheese, a laptop needs to breathe.

^Only you could relate those two subjects.