Does my monitor have a poltergeist or something?

Q: I have a Compaq desktop computer with a Compaq FS7600 monitor and it keeps adjusting its own settings. It opens the menu and goes through the options and changes them. Sometimes it gets stuck on one setting for awhile then starts bouncing through all of the options. I have checked all the cables and cords but it keeps happening. I have no control over the menu when it starts happening. I think my monitor is malfunctioning (its about 2 years old.) But a friend of mine said it could be a virus (he's an engineer so I probably shouldn't believe him.) Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone know what the problem could be?

A: I do not believe that you have a virus as these menus arent usually controlled by the computer, but rather by the monitor itself through the menus you are referring to. I would purchase some canned air from an office supply store because you may have a dust problem inside the monitor that is making it act funny. Monitors hate dust. UNPLUG the monitor from the computer and the outlet and use the canned air to blow out all the vent holes. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the compressed air and HOLD THE BOTTLE UPRIGHT, never at an angle or you can get liquid in the monitor and damage it. Also, make sure there is no dirt or other object stuck behind the buttons (be careful not to break them). You can try cleaning that area with a soft cloth and some vinegar. Then plug it back in and use the buttons on the front to reset the monitor. It should be ok now. If it isnt, the buttons themselves or the part of the monitor that they control may be broken. You could get a price from a local repair shop, but it probably wont be worth it. Buy a new one, or if you are scrapped for $$ try searching for a used one on craigslist or ebay. Or just drive around on a sunday and take one off a curb (people just throw out these older CRT (read BIG) monitors when they get newer flat lcd monitors. Or try a garage sale. Good luck!

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