Graphics Card ist Kaput??

[Dawnsdad]

Hi All.

computer is Advent T9021 circa 2004 with some non original parts as new M/B (AS rock) about 4 yrs ago new disc drive about same time and numerous PSU's fitted at different times Windows XP sp3

few months ago started to get frozen screens and font size going massive and unreadable getting error message stating dvag2 display driver stopped responding etc,

I put up up with this untill last week when I decided to do something about it and download a new graphics card driver, :) But half way through download, the screen went a very nice sky blue colour, and no matter what I do I can not get rid of it and get a picture,

on reboot the widows logo stays on for about 2 seconds before the system starts all over again, when I get the chance to restart in safe mode it just runs through some partition jargon then freezes again,(system recovery created a partition about 3yrs ago)

Have attempted to use recovery disc several times but after recovery start up just reverts to the sky blue screen.

So will a new graphics card sort the problem?. I am rather attached to this machine after 9 years and feel it has a few years left yet. so any suggestions (especially those which result in the machine not being destined for the great big computer graveyard:mad:) would be most welcome

 

 

Thanks in anticipation

 

Dawnsdad

[KenB]

Hi

 

I assume that this machine has on-board video too ?

If so - could you give that a try ...........take the video card out first.

[Dawnsdad]

Hi KenB,

Which bit of the internals is that?:confused:

I,ll do a G search to see if I can Identify it and let you know, replies will be sporadic as I can only use PC at work at the mo.

 

many thanks

 

DD

[Dawnsdad]

Hi again KenB

Really confused now Piccys of Video cards look just like my graphics card and vica versa?:confused::confused: Lol

DD

[Dawnsdad]

Hi again, sussed out they are the same thing ( I think) So removed card and connected monitor to M/B port but still getting identical results. I think our local waste dump has a skip specially for small leccy items and computers etc but still willing to try other means before I get to that stage :) unless I'm already there and don't know it yet :(

 

DD

[KenB]

Sorry - I should have been more specific re "on-board".

 

This isn't looking good.

 

Try taking the RAM modules out and switch on.

We are hoping that the machine will be stable and not re-start.

( RAM explained in the tutorial below )

 

If this doesn't work for you try this tutorial I wrote

click here

 

You would need to strip all cards etc off the motherboard.

Plug in the keyboard.

When you are down to the motherboard and 20(4) way PSU connection switch on.

Watch the fan and the keyboard LEDs.

They should be stable and not re-start.

 

If you can get this far - connect the Monitor to the on-board VGA connection ( leave the card off for the moment )

 

We are looking for a stable system.

 

Do you get any POST beeps ?

[Dawnsdad]

Hi Ken,

Delays due to having a couple of days off, tried all that, no beeps of any kind but I think the volume was muted would this make a difference? no leds shown on keyboard? put back together bit at a time as per instructions, cleaned everything gently as I went along, then back to square one except no blue screen, Just black, I think this machine is just screaming to be taken to the tip?

 

DD

[KenB]

I think the volume was muted would this make a difference?

No. The beep comes from the internal speaker ..... the volume turned down is only applicable when the system is running off the Operating System.

 

If you are getting no beeps then this is down to either the PSU or the motherboard.

(assuming you used to get one beep on start up ? )

 

If you can get hold of another PSU give this a try - it doesn't have to be the same wattage.

[Dawnsdad]

Hi again,

Tried a new PSU makes no difference, as far as I can recall have never had a beep when turning comp on,

Although cant really remember back as far as original MB, (changed 4-5 tears ago under extended rip off warranty)

it looks like MB is cream crackered anyway, so unless you have a minor miracle up your sleeve looks like comp is about to get its wish:(,

buuut I hate giving up, if thats the case it'l go in't attic and I will fetch it out one rainy day and refit new MB and a few other bits see if it will come back to life then.

thanks for all your help, before I go can i put the HDD in one of them caddy things and connect it to the new comp I,m about to order??:)

[KenB]

Hi

Yep - looks like the motherboard is toast.

 

can i put the HDD in one of them caddy things and connect it to the new comp

Yes - no problem.

You will be able to access files / photos etc but programs will not run.

 

You need to buy a 3.5 inch caddy ( there are 2.5 inch ones for laptop drives )

 

Also you need to know what connections your hard drive has ( SATA or IDE )

IDE has a broad grey data cable connected to it ( 80 wires )

SATA has a narrow ( often red ) data cable.

 

If still unsure take a look here:

click here