TSG: Pen display keeps flashing different colors every few seconds

Overview

If your pen display is showing flashing colors every few seconds, it ultimately means that it is not getting a video signal. This is a different visual effect from the "NO SIGNAL" problem. See: TSG: Pen display shows NO SIGNAL message

Symptoms

The screen cycles between a small set of colors. Usually the colors shown are RED, GREEN, BLUE, BLACK, and WHITE. Each color is shown for a few seconds before it switches to the next.

You may also see a box appear with some various bits of technical information such as: Serial Number, Size, Resolution, Checksums.

Notes

• Since the screen is showing you a message, it's clear that power is NOT the problem. The tablet is getting enough power.

• In my experience:

  • I've seen this happen when the computer is asleep or OFF but still connected to the tablet

  • port selection - I have seen it happen with some ports but not with others. For example, on one computer it happens if the video signal is coming from my computer's USB-C port but not when it is coming from a DisplayPort port.