Brand: Compaq Presario
Model: V6444US
OS: XP sp3

Problem:

When the computer was turned on this morning the entire screen (from boot start) was split into tiled copies of iteslf. Even when I go into the BIOS screen, it too is split in tiled copies. When Windows boots, the entire desktop is tiled. Each tile has it's own cursor, task bar, desktop icons, and programs. All tiles work simultaneously (not individually), so when the mouse is moved, all cursors move the same direction and click the same icon in each tile; when a program is opened, it opens in all tiles. No new programs have been installed and no updates occurred since last use (the night before).

Attempted fixes:

1. simple reboot - no change
2. system restore - no change
3. updated graphics driver - not needed
4. virus scan - clean

Does anyone have any clues about how I can remove the split and make it normal again (short of complete reinstallation)? Any help is appreciated thank you.

You're wasting your time messing with Windows to fix this since it happens prior to Windows booting.

Try resetting your BIOS to it's default state. The best way to do this is to power it off, then unplug the power cord. Open the case and remove the small (CMOS), quarter sized battery. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds or so to drain any residual power. Let the computer sit for 5 minutes extra just to be sure.

Put the small (CMOS) battery in, reconnect the power cord and power up. Is it back to normal? If yes, you should get a BIOS error that says to press a key to go to Setup. Do this and set the date an time and any other options to their normal state.

If that did not help ...

You could try a different display, just to see if it makes a difference though I've never heard of one that displayed as a grid.

Is your video connection built into the system board or is it a add-on PCI/AGP/PCI-E card?

If the latter then replace it. If the former, then add a PCI/AGP/PCI-E video card. Either will fix the problem.

Your instructions are wise Ztruker, but the OP's computer is a laptop. He is unable to easily remove the CMOS battery if at all, and the other instructions do not apply.

I have seen this on laptops previously. Its probably a bad screen, unfortunately.

Simply reseating the video cable from the motherboard to the back of the LCD screen may help, but this is basically not a "user serviceable," part and should be taken to a qualified repair facility who has experience replacing LCD screens. I suppose it may also be a motherboard issue. But, the only time I have seen it is when there is a bad, or incompatible LCD screen.

Sorry, I should have checked (as you obviously did!) to see what kind of computer it was, thanks for cleaning up after me (again)