Horizontally compressed screen image

My wife's iMAC suddenly developed an extremely compressed screen image all at the top of the screen. You can see a normal cursor size when it is brought to the top of the screen. It is so compressed you can't actually do anything with the cursor as you can't see or open any menus. So, two questions. 1. Any suggestions on fixing the display? 2. If no fixes and hence no display, how do I wipe all data from the machine? See the attached images, one of which shows the cursor which will only show when it is in the top tiny band.

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Apr 1, 2025 5:41 AM

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Apr 1, 2025 7:29 AM in response to EqVet80

EqVet80 wrote:

My wife's iMAC suddenly developed an extremely compressed screen image all at the top of the screen. You can see a normal cursor size when it is brought to the top of the screen. It is so compressed you can't actually do anything with the cursor as you can't see or open any menus. So, two questions. 1. Any suggestions on fixing the display? 2. If no fixes and hence no display, how do I wipe all data from the machine? See the attached images, one of which shows the cursor which will only show when it is in the top tiny band.
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/c5d69062-8bb9-4370-9145-1512e9aefbf9
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/fb6225da-8df9-480f-a8d6-63db476e1e9f


You have hardware failure


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support



Check Device Coverage

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support



plug in an external monitor and compare those results as a work-a-round


Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support




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Apr 2, 2025 7:49 PM in response to EqVet80

The pictures show a laptop (MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air), not an iMac which is an all-in-one desktop computer that sits on the desk.


FYI, you should avoid using camera covers. That may be the cause of the Display failure. One of those vertical bands happens to be right at that camera cover. Most camera covers don't allow the Display clamshell to close properly.....which makes it much easier to crack the glass and/or LCD Panel.


If you want to cover the camera, then cut a Post-It Note to fit over it, but be aware that there is an ambient light sensor next to the camera that controls the brightness of the display backlight & keyboard backlight.


Whenever the camera is active, the green LED next to it will light up. This LED is hardwired so that there is no way to bypass the indicator. Plus macOS has Privacy & Security System Settings so that any third party app which wants to use the camera must be given explicit permission or the third party app cannot access the camera at all.

Control access to the camera on Mac - Apple Support


The entire Display Assembly will need to be replaced, but that is very expensive. You can use the laptop by connecting an external display in order to continue using the laptop as a Desktop computer, or to retrieve your data, or to wipe your data from the laptop. If you want to securely erase the laptop, then follow all of the steps in the following Apple article:

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support




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Horizontally compressed screen image

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