Hi,

I'm gonna take a long shot here and probably mention something(s) you already did! First a short explanation;

I have found that, occassionally, installing new AMD drivers (I assume you mean graphic drivers and CCC) can 'throw a spanner in the works' so to say.

The problem, as I have experienced, seems to be that the AMD drivers / CCC (Catalyst Control Centre) either do not keep, update or ammend certain details correctly after an update - especially where the user has custom settings.

I know that simply saying "update your drivers or check your settings" would be akin to 'preaching to the converted' but I would like to note how I fixed my recent issue with AMD driver, CCC, in game FPS and incorrect settings after installing the 'latest' AMD drivers / CCC. In sort, my user settings got messed up and I had to reset everything! I run a crossfire and eyefinity rig.

1. Important step: Do a full uninstall of AMD drivers / CCC.
2. Important step: Restart computer.
3. Make sure AMD driver / CCC installer is the latest one (I know - but please be patient!).
4. Reinstall AMD driver / CCC.
5. Check the settings you need to - I had to turn crossfire back on, turn on crossfire for apps with no crossfire profile and redo my three presets (centre only, centre extended L/R and bezel adjusted eyefinity)*.
6. Important step: Restart computer.
7. Check all settings have stayed as you put them and redo them (with restart after each) if you need to redo them!

*Important: All changes must be done using the tools in CCC and saved / OK'd as required.

You have probably done all this already but I thought I'd write it up just in case.

Other things that you may have done already and could be unlikey causes of the issue;

• Check GFX card is still correctly seated.
• Check leads from PC to monitor(s) are correctly seated on both ends.
• Check monitor leads are not pressed up against something.
• Check if monitor has any sort of mode menu that could be causing an incorrect visual effect (though this is very unlikely if issue is just in game).
• Disable any third party programs that may be effecting the game at run time - I'm thinking of graphics helpers or monitors or recording programs (such as FRAPS maybe).
• Disable all in game addons - especially HUD / graphics tweaks. Turning each back on in turn could highlight the issue!
• EDIT (I just thought of): Sounds crazy, I know, but using windows settings 'screen resolution'* make sure only detected monitors are being used and that windows is not using some strange resolution or monitor combination!

*Acces to this may vary between Windows OS types but is usually found under Control Panel ... [All Control Panel Items] ... Display ... Screen Resolution (as memory serves).

I know these things are 'obvious' to some but I also know each can be easily overlooked. I'm quite experienced with computers but know how it feels to kick myself for forgetting to check something simple!

Probably absoloutely no help what so ever but I cannot think of anything else you could try just now.

Kindest regards and good luck finding a fix!



Edited for clean up.

It didn't work

Everything was good for 40mins then BAM!

Thanks though!

They've bumped me up to the "High Elves" and they've just asked me for some details.

I may take a look at Direct X. I haven't noticed any heating issues at all. You're suggestion about RAM seems interesting, I should just test that all of it is being recognised. If I'm short, maybe you're on to something!

Awesome support!

A link that may help regards memory;

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/diagnosing-memory-problems-on-your-computer

This is for windows 7 but the 'To run the Memory Diagnostics Tool manually' section applies for windows 8(.1) and there are guides for other OS installs online.

There are more advanced ways to check memory but the link is a good starter.

If you are comfortable with and feel safe in doing so, you could visually inspect how many RAM modules you have and, if more than one, take all out of PC then run PC with each RAM module individually. This *Could* give indication of a faulty module (RAM stick). This is a little more advanced but fairly easy to do ( ! ). Again, safety is paramount and you may need help from an 'advanced user'. STAY SAFE!

Let's hope th High Elves can help. Either way; best of luck.

From my earlier post with relevant words in bold;

'A bit 'out there' but have you monitored / tested the computer RAM in case it is faulty? Maybe not an obvious cause for concern.'

Indeed, VRAM and RAM are very different and the test I posted a link to is to check system RAM.

We are trying to figure out why the computer in question is not working as intended with TESO. A lot of potential causes for the problems seem to have been eliminated so far. Though the suggestion of testing system RAM may well seem silly or strange the suggestion was made in good faith and as a way to eleminate the remote possibility that there is an issue with system RAM that is contributing to the overall problem.

It seems that the issue / problem is only present in TESO and not in the desktop or any other program or game. It also seems the the split screen can occur after a period of 'normality'; from OP 'Everything was good for 40mins then BAM!'. This suggests that something in the hardware is working fine from power on then failing after a period of use. It could be that the problem is in software in use - either OS, driver, TESO or some other piece of software connected to the game or use of the game. There is, of course, the possibility that the problem is a mix of hardware and software issues. At this point, we simply do not know the cause of the problem and thus we need to consider many factors and evaluate / put into action many suggestions - even the apparently silly, strange or 'out there' ones (within reason).

Other silly suggestions;

• Try / test each of the monitors thusfar mentioned with another PC running TESO (without issue). Though it is highly unlikely that the problem will occur on such tests, at least this could eliminate the monitors as the cause of the problem.
• If running a single gfx card, ensure crossfire* is off (it should be automatically).
• If two gfx cards or more are linked by crossfire [1] check all crossfire linking 'ribbons' are correctly seated [2] try running game with crossfire off, crossfire on and crossfire on with crossfire enabled for applications with no crossfire profile - all independantly tested.
• If any of the monitors has more than one available input for use in connecting to PC gfx, try using that input with suitable leads and / or adaptors.
• In game, try using different settings for how screens / monitors are used such as full screen or windowed full screen or windowed.
• Run a full virus scan and take any appropriate actions when done - absoloutely unlikely to be the cause of the problem but we are being silly here!
• Test each hard drive HDD or SSD - web search this!

There's some silly stuff in there but sometimes the silly ideas turn out for the best!

For clarity;

• Is this issue definately only happening when playing TESO?
• Have other games that have similar graphics / cpu / memory requirements to TESO been tested on the computer in question and if so, do they play without issue?
• Are there any other problems occurring in TESO, desktop use or any other application?
• A list of the (basic) computer specifications such RAM, CPU, Graphics card(s) and hard drive, HDD or SSD, may be helpful to those trying to help here (or not).

Have the High Elves been able to help?

Once again; good luck! It really is annoying when this sort of issue is unresolved and prevents us from doing what we would like to. Please let us know if / when you get sorted and the issue / problem / cause is properly identified and, importantly, fixed or resolved.

Kindest regards.


*Stated use of AMD. Was this AMD gfx or AMD CPU or both?

Edits for tidy up.

Ok lets see if I can get a screen shot and a pick I took with my phone posted.

screen shot of my desktop:

ok, had a problem with the first pic. The second is below.

screen shot of bug after launching and exiting game. The second pic only shows my left and middle monitors. Look at the icons across the top, you will see the middle one is now mirroring the top left corner of the left monitor.

<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020507/uploads/FileUpload/1e/59f441aec3888753475badde6eecc6.jpg&quot; />

Since the screen shot of all 3 monitors shows fine I am assuming the fram buffer in the GPU is correct and this is a problem getting out tot he monitor its self somehow.


OP - can you post a picture taken with a camera/phone of what is happening to you?

EDIT -- you may need to double click and zoom in to see the whole pic. I can see the entire picture is not showing in the post.

With NV Surround, which is set up in the NV control panel, windows sees the 3 monitors as one single display.

This only happens in ESO, ever. It only happens at game launch.

Some good thought up there, I just dont think they apply to this situation. I play GW2, and many other games in NV Surround no issues.

Windows does have a feature like this for people with impaired vision, odd that it would get turned on like this. (if that is what is going on)

I should also add that yes I have tried running it in windowed, windowed fullscreen, and fullscreen.

I just found that my drivers for my monitor were ancient (something I totally overlooked) maybe this could help? Let's hope!

Elf_Boy wrote: »

With NV Surround, which is set up in the NV control panel, windows sees the 3 monitors as one single display.

The same happens with eyefinity from AMD; monitors in eyefinity mode are seen as one big monitor / screen. I know how mad it sounds but I have had experience where the 'Screen Resolution' in control panel effects the 'Presets' set up in CCC for eyefinity. This is why I always tell folk to make sure that 'Screen Resolution' is at its most basic settings and to set up eyefinity or other 'Presets' through CCC (Catalyst Control Centre) or ECC (Engine Control Centre) as the case may be. It is also good practice to fully uninstall graphics drivers and control centre before installing new.

This only happens in ESO, ever. It only happens at game launch.


This likely suggests something in the software 'throwing a wobbly'. Control centre or driver conflicting with in game settings? Maybe! I do not know in all honesty. Maybe the High Elves can work this one out.

Some good thought up there, I just dont think they apply to this situation. I play GW2, and many other games in NV Surround no issues.


Yeah! I have been trying to eliminate potential causes as we go. As daft as some of the suggestions seem, I know from experience that daft ideas or suggestions often solve issues. I also know how easy it is to miss something 'obvious'!

Windows does have a feature like this for people with impaired vision, odd that it would get turned on like this. (if that is what is going on)


I fully agree and a look into Control Panel>All Control Panel Items> Ease of Access Centre may be in order - just to eliminate such a possible cause.

brandon_burton159b16_ESO wrote: »

Hey there,

Sorry I haven't responded, I was away for the long weekend. I'm trying to go through some of your options right now since I have the day off. I've also been contacted by the Zenimax "High Elves" so I'm just waiting on a response to my recent email.


No problem on reply timing! Let's hope the High Elves can help.

I've noticed that my monitor has a 60hz refresh rate yet my Catalyst centre is registering it as a 75hz max, maybe that's causing some issue?


Ah! Interesting! I have 3*1 Hanns.G HH241. In Desktop Management>Desktop Properties in CCC, the desktop is in 60 Hz! Each monitor is reported to be 1920x1080 with a maximum reported refresh rate of 75 Hz by CCC in My Digital Flat-Panels>Properties(Digital Flat-Panel) and I have each panel / monitor Image Scaling set at Scale image to full panel size. My panels are all connected by DVI with the centre panel having a Display Port to DVI adapter at computer (Display Port) connection. Left and right panels have no other setting in this menu but my centre panel has DVI Settings and is set on Alternate DVI operational mode. Maybe you could check your My Digital Flat-Panels>Properties(Digital Flat-Panel) menu and check how many monitors are registered for use and how they are set up. Probably not a cause though.

Further examination of Desktop Management>Desktop Properties in CCC will likely show the Hz of your actual desktop and you may be able to change this but its unlikely to be the cause of the issue.

Also, for clarity, how is the one monitor linked? Is it DVI, HDMI, Display Port or other?

brandon_burton159b16_ESO wrote: »

When I move my cursor to the right of the screen it stops at the divide so I need to move it left (off the screen) for it to show up on the right side. Somehow it must think I'm using a second monitor. Grrrrrrr

Hmm! So here's the thing; if the screen shot is 'normal' then the computer is likely rendering it normally and this puts me in mind of two things. Either the GFX card is splitting the image or putting out the signal in a strange fashion and thus you get the 'split' or GFX card is putting out the correct signal and the monitor is messing it up.

In the former case of GFX card error, I have no more offerings at this time as you seem to have exhausted the bank of possible solutions. The latter case, monitor error, could be attributed to a few things I suppose. Trying a new monitor lead has been suggested as has testing the various inputs your monitor may have. If these are not successful fixes then you could go into the monitor menu (likely controlled by buttons on side or under screen). There may be a setting on the monitor menu that makes a world of difference.

(Note: BBCode went mad here!)

EDIT (I got my turnip head on again!): For the Former case mainly. Have thought about this a bit! Could it simply be this;

• PC starts up with a desktop resolution as expected - let's say 1024x768.
• Game runs and uses a higher (could be lower) resolution - let's say 1920x1080.
• When alt tabbing or closing the game, the desktop is trying to show at the lower resolution but the graphics card still tries to use the higher or vice versa.

Result of this conflict (as I have touched on) is the problem you are getting.

How to fix problem? It would be easy to say 'ensure desktop and game resolutions are the same'! This would not necessarily fix the problem though. Maybe the High Elves can look at this.

But! Hang on! Is the problem present at boot up, log in to windows or only happening when game is played (as it seems) and does the problem persist after game (and launcher) are shut down?

Other wild ideas from someone 'clutching at straws';

• Vertical Sync or Anti-Aliasing in the game settings may not be having any negative effect but have you tried altering each?
• What about CCC>Gaming>3D Application Settings? Does altering them have an effect? This is really clutching at those straws though!

I really hope @Elf_Boy or the High Elves can help further as I'm just about out of options at this time (though I may think of something else later).

Good luck and kindest regards.

Edit; I just flashed through the thread again and did not see monitor brand or model. I may have simply missed that info. Please let's know the monitor brand / manufacturer and model. I know it may be irrelevant information but maybe I could look up the monitor for further study and possible further suggestions. Thanks.

Damn! It didn't work. However, something new occurs now once the screen tears. My screen goes to a completely fuzzy screen of multiple colours, then goes black, and then a torn screen appears (I could barely read the text on it) which says something along the lines of a possible hardware malfunction.

I still find the "hardware malfunction" a bit odd considering this only happens with ESO. Maybe it's just the computer recognizing an issue and offering a generic response based on the error?

Anywho, still waiting on the Elves to answer me!

brandon_burton159b16_ESO wrote: »

Damn! It didn't work. However, something new occurs now once the screen tears. My screen goes to a completely fuzzy screen of multiple colours, then goes black, and then a torn screen appears (I could barely read the text on it) which says something along the lines of a possible hardware malfunction.

I still find the "hardware malfunction" a bit odd considering this only happens with ESO. Maybe it's just the computer recognizing an issue and offering a generic response based on the error?

Anywho, still waiting on the Elves to answer me!

Screen tearing is likely due to refresh rate issues and may just be happening at the same time.

Have you tried a different cable or for that matter a different kind of cable? Does you monitor support VGA or Display port? Can you try those.

Does your windows control panel still show the second monitor?

You may want to consider doing a clean driver install (bit of a pain in the ass really but might help) -- look up apps like driver cleaner to do so.

I dont feel a hardware issue here. It feels like a software issue. It is like the games display window is getting confused on it's coordinates and is not enumerating properly.

ESO was the first game to work for me across all my monitors even before I got surround working by using windowed mode. Other games however do much better with HUD placement and looking at the physical monitors to get things right.

I linked an official NVidia guide for developers with sample code a while back. I keep hoping a coder will read it.

At this point I also am waiting to see what those elves which are high have to say on the matter.