UDPixel is such a software. The free software program can not only aid the user in locating stuck pixels but does come with the means to fix dead or stuck pixels as well. There is no guarantee for success but it cannot hurt either to give this program a try.

UDPixel, which is short for undead pixel, comes with two main options. The first is to display the computer screen in one solid color. Available are standard colors like red, white, black and blue with the option to pick custom colors from the Windows color palette.

The second option will try to fix dead or stuck pixels by rapidly changing the color of the stuck pixel or stuck pixels for some time. The user can configure the number of flash windows (one for each stuck pixel), the size of the window and the flash interval (should be set to the monitor’s refresh rate). The selected number of flash windows (small pixels actually) will appear on the screen after pressing Start. These now have to be moved to the right location (that is the location of the stuck pixel) with the mouse.

The developer suggests to keep the program running for several hours. The stuck pixels might have been fixed after that time which can be verified again with the first option of the program.

UDPixels is available as a portable version and installer at the developer’s website. It is compatible with most Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows 7. It requires the Microsoft .net Framework 2 to be installed on the computer system.

It can also happen that dead or stuck pixels appear after using the LCD monitor for a while. It’s a good idea to test the LCD monitor before or immediately after purchase with a software that can reveal stuck or dead pixels. The best case scenario would be obviously a test before buying the monitor to be sure that it does not contain dead pixels.

The tiny application Is My LCD OK [via Shell Extension City] provides several test color schemes that reveal if pixels on the monitor are not working properly. It can be run from any location on the hard drive. The first start uses a German interface, press E to switch to the English interface.

The different test patterns can be loaded by pressing the corresponding button on the keyboard. If you press [1] the screen will change to a white background. If you should find a pixel that is not white you discovered a dead or stuck pixel. By viewing all test patterns you will be able to find all dead or stuck pixels on the LCD monitor.

Hopefully though there will be none or that much that you can return the monitor for a new one.