Weird ghostly screen image

[Supernerd]

So I'm using my 2009 iMac right now. An application that was just being used has left some sort of a weird residue image on my screen. I can see the outlines of the text and window just looking at my desktop, like a ghost. I tried shutting down the computer, and unplugging the cable both when the computer was on and when it was off, and it's still there. How do I fix it?

 

[B1ueB1aze]

If I'm understanding you correctly, the image is persisting even when the iMac is off? If so, that means the LCD has a physical problem with it and most likely needs to be replaced. You could try some videos on it that claim to remove ghost images, but I don't think those work for LCD displays. If you mean the issue only happens when the iMac is on, then boot into safe mode and see if it is visible in that boot mode. Here are instruction on how to do that, http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1455.