Windows XP problem
 

I booted up my main computer today, Windows XP, and came back to a faint green/black screen. I then powered it down with the power button, rebooted and the intro Dell screen was all garbled. It then proceeded to the screen that allows you to login with safe mode after a bad shutdown, this page too was all garbled. I allowed it to login through safe mode, the computer proceeded to go to a black-and-white garbled screen with large pixelation. I powered down, powered on, same thing.

Any ideas? Anyone seen this before?

I know, I know... get a Mac.

Everytime my screen has been garbled, its been because of a video card issue.

Actually, the fan stopped working in my Radeon HD 4650, and its constantly running at about 90 degrees celsius. Once it hits 100 degrees, my computer just shuts off instantly.

Check that both ends of the video cable are tight; try a different cable.

If still no good, it's possible the video card is bad; replace with new one.

On a related note, many Nvidia video cards, including some used in Dells, were recalled due to overheating. Do a google search using the keywords: nvidia overheating - lots of results - still a recurring problem.

Ron

There's your problem. It's almost 2012, windows 7 has been out for years, and Windows 8 is on the horizon. See what I'm trying to tell you?

I agree, sounds like a graphics issue with the card or motherboard if graphics are embedded. Not good.

I love my Windows XP. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

I run a very important piece of software that will only run on XP. Right now I'm on a Vista computer and I have a laptop with 7 coming later this week.

On top of that, I saw no reason to update from XP. I still don't.

Should I just take this into the shop? I'm horrible with this stuff.

Given you above post, yes, take it to the shop. Save yourself some time and a heap of grief.

That's what virtualbox is for...

It's almost definitely the video card. You can try removing and reseating the card but I imagine the card is toast.

No problem though, just run out and buy one or order one from Amazon and you should be back in business.

When's the last time you formatted and reinstalled xp? Shit just gets corrupted over time and all sorts of weird issues start to appear. If you've never done it on that machine then I would look into doing it. Will run like brand new again. (once you get your garbled video sorted out)

It definitely sounds like the video card. They're pretty easy to install though.

you have logmein on that computer? you could log in remotely from another computer. if the desktop is fine, its definitely the graphics adapter

I agree with everyone who said it was video card... :)
and windows xp is piece of shit!

get windows7, it stable, runs fast as xp and nothing to worry about on long run!

Try to download the HIRENS BOOTABLE CD and boot with it...

In the worse case and if everything else works fine and windows is corrupted, get a new Hard Disk, install windows there and then connect this hard disk as secondary SATA, and transfer all the files.

You really shouldn't give computer advice. You have no idea what you're doing. :1orglaugh

Good idea. I usually use my main computer to log into my secondary. Computer is on the way to the shop.

Thanks guys.

Guys, the problem has nothing to do with windows xp simply because the issue is present at the boot time POST screen up through trying to start windows.

So, like the other people who at least half way know what they're talking about, the most likely issue is the video card.

The rest of you need to read a few manuals or something before trying to give computer advice....

I agree with video card option...but perhaps memory too if video card uses shared RAM... hope Sly tells us what was the solution....

It was the video card, will be picking it up shortly.

At least you're not on Windows 98 anymore :thumbsup :thumbsup

*hugs*

LOL.

Cripples 4 lyfe.

Ok, I got a Radeon 4350. I've been trying to dial in the proper resolution, but the resolutions that it's allowing me to choose from are not right. It's not what I was using before, unfortunately I can't remember what I was using before and this really isn't giving me many options.

Right now I'm set at the largest: 1920 x 1200. It's just a little too big. The next one in line is 1600 x 1200, which is garbage. Is there a way to add more resolution options?

Did you update to the latest catalyst control center version? Try that first if you haven't.

:thumbsup

If you are on XP 32 bit, download this:

http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloa...eon_xp-32.aspx

64 bit is here:

http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloa...eon_xp-64.aspx

try linux boot from cd distro if the same issue , then card or cable.,
replace cable, if same issue, replace card. if same issue , replace both card and cable., if still same issue., replace., screen/ram/hdd/pc/kb/mouse.....

Correct... get a Mac sir

There's not a lot of native support for other resolutions in xp for newer cards. Your best bet is 1920x1200 then go into your display settings and bump up the size of your icons, taskbars etc to make up for it.

Upgrade to windows 7.
Download virtualbox (it's free).
Create a small virtual machine for the app you can only run in xp.
Problem solved.

Unless of course your main system can't handle Win 7... if that's the case then it's time to either upgrade some parts, or buy a new system... Or.. alternatively.. run linux as the main OS then repeat the other steps above for your XP only app.

Windows XP is from 2001 - TEN YEARS ago.

This is what cell phones used to look like back then http://zapp4.staticworld.net/opinion...09_treo180.jpg

So while everyone else is walking around with droids and iphones, you're asking questions about that thing up there.

same here...

get this:

Mac is just a pc running expensive software since both OS can use the same processors.

Just my opinion.

Nope, that's not just your opinion. That's a fact.

and the mac os is a closed API

the only retard who has no idea what the fuck you are talking about here is you, idiot.

I repaired dozens of pcs in my life and know more than electronics and technology than you, any single day.

get a clue and then give an opinion, ignorant sucker.

It looks like you can't see other people being smarter than you, so you attack, funny.

Haha, I run a computer repair business and have several certifications. I used to be an engineer for Allied Signal and then Motorola.

The reason I said you're clueless is because the OP said the "intro dell screen" was garbled. That screen is part of the BIOS which would be completely unaffected by the operating system or hard drive. Your troubleshooting skills suck. You wouldn't even be qualified to answer the phones at my store.