XPS M1330 Vertical lines on the screen

This symptom is common to DELL XPS M1330 portables, shipped with nvidia GPU integrated system boards. I first encountered this problem last february to one of my customers who was considered as a chronic complainer. Well he is one of those guys who doesn't cooperate but keeps on complaining and yelling about the bad stuff on his system and the trouble that it had brought him. Anyway, its my responsibility to make him realize that fixing these technical issue requires patience, and simple understanding.

Here are the steps on fixing the problem:
Assuming you are aware when did it began, and had lists all the HW and SW changes made prior to the problem.
1. Run the BIST test.
A. Turn off the system.
B. Disconnect other external devices.
C. Press and hold letter d button, then turn on the system.

*If plain colours displayed without the unusual lines persisting, the LCD is good. Else, contact Dell XPS technical support for additional assistance.

2. Attach known good ext monitor, and toggle view display(fn+f8).Restart the system normally and observe the display, if vertical or horizontal lines are seen then possible video driver or motherboard problem.
3. Boot to safemode with networking, uninstall the video driver and download the latest driver online from support.dell.com.
4. If problem still persists, download the latest FLASH BIOS version
5. If problem still encountered then run PSA, and take down the error codes it will display.
6. Contact Dell XPS technical support (1)800-624-9896 for additional assistance.

DELL XPS TROUBLESHOOTING LAPTOP NOT CHARGING ISSUE

TITLE I. Laptop Computer Does Not Charge the Battery.

1. Check battery warranty – verified expired prior to invoice date (1 year from the invoice)
2. Double check and list the ac adapter capacity and model. (Make sure your laptop supports the appropriate AC Adapter.)
3. Remove Any Docking Stations or Port Replicators From the Computer
4. Check the DC connector was fully engaged. – is there damage? Yes! call Dell Tech Support (1)800-624-9896 else then step 5.
5. The AC adapter was confirmed good. (There is light coming from the AC Adapter) Else if no light then, proceed to TITLE II.
6. Attempt to Charge the Battery While the Computer Is Powered Off (wait up to 10 seconds charging the battery using the AC Adapter)
7. Check for a 135 Battery LED Code on the Battery . If Yes Battery LED code = 135, then call Dell Tech Support for further assistance. (1)800-624-9896 or click the link for additional information about Dell tech responsibilities.

Else if NO then and Battery still has enough power then proceed to step 7

8. Attempt to Power on the Computer using Only the AC Power Adapter .
9. Check AC Adapter on System BIOS – There is a message “Adapter unknown device”)
10. Go to Safemode with networking and try downloading latest Flash BIOS SW.
11. Check again System BIOS, if still has same message then possible MOBO failure. Call Dell.
TITLE II. No Power When Using Only the AC Adapter on a Dell™ Laptop Computer.
1. Check damages on the power strips or UPS where the ac adapter is attached.
2. Check the Cable , AC Adapter Connector , the Pin and the port for Damaged, exposed wires, burns, or Missing, – NO DAMAGE
3. Check the status of the ac adapter light – no lit.
4. Plug the AC Adapter into a known good Wall Outlet – done still no power.
5. From the Computer Confirm that the Portable Computer was Working on Battery Power - It is known that the computer will work with a charged battery.
6. Remove the Battery Swap With a known good AC Adapter and Power Cord if Available.
7. The computer works properly using a known good AC adapter. Confirm the Power Cord Is Firmly Connected to the AC Power Adapter
8. Replace the AC Power Adapter