HELP - screen goes blank or I get flashing lines

[AliKat71]

HI - i completed a system update yesterday then was looged in for some time before the above started to happen - since then I get the above and have to power off my lap top - it works in safe mode.

 

So far I have completed the following

1 - restore to last known working instance

2 - ran malware bytes - all clear

3 - update AVG & ran - all clear

4 - installed & ran multi virus cleaner 2009 - all clear

 

I don't even have to log in to get this problem

 

Please help thanks

[BeeCeeBee]

Before anyone go to deep into this, have you tried another monitor (I know that they are not always just hanging around ) perhaps a friends?

 

The first thing that comes to mind is that safe mode uses a much lower resolution and color settings. While in safe mode you could try changing the resolution and color settings (keeping a record of your normal settings) and then reboot. If you get a image on the monitor my guess is that it is a hardware (monitor) issue and it may be time for a change.

 

There is also the possibility that the cable is not fully set or that the cable itself and not the monitor is the issue. Try reseating it at both ends making certain that all pins are straight.

 

If none of that works and you get the same result from another monitor it is time for someone with more expertise than mine to step in.

Edited August 14, 2010 by BeeCeeBee

[Synapse]

Along the same lines.....

 

If it runs in Safe Mode, which is VGA video mode it is most probably a video driver fault or the beginnings of a video hardware fault.

 

Download the most up to date video drivers, uninstall the old ones, reboot, install the new ones, reboot, and see if it will run ok.

 

If you need help with the drivers, post the make and model and someone will no doubt be able to fish out your drivers.

 

Btw, I'd remove multi virus cleaner 2009 - it doesn't feature on anyones useful tools list :)

[AliKat71]

Thanks for the above - sorry should have stated it's a laptop so no cables & monitor to check -

 

How do I download video drivers - my laptop is a Compaq Presario c500 - I'm running Windows XP ® (build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.100427-1636: Service Pack 3) in the meantime i'll try different settings

 

Thanks

[Synapse]

Well there's thing, Compaq don't list the XP video drivers - did that machine originally have Vista installed?

 

It looks like an Intel 945 Express video chip, can you post the exact model? It may be underneath the machine on a label, something like C502EA or similar.

[AliKat71]

Hi,

 

Yes it came with VISTA but kept crashing so i had XP put on instead - had an old neighbour do this for me but he's moved away now and we're not in touch.

 

Underneath the service tag reads C550EM is this what you need?

 

Thanks

[Armageddon]

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&keyword=%22GMA+950%22 looking at the specs for your machine you have a Intel 950 GMA the link is to Intels own site which provides XP drivers for the Graphics

 

Hope this helps

 

Dave

[RandyL]

How did your neighbor pur XP on? Did he buy you a XP disk? The problem may well be the XP installed.

 

If you reinstall Vista that came with it you can rule out any conflicts and you will also be reinstalling the correct drivers at the same time. If Compaq has updated drivers for Vista you can download from them directly.

 

Vista is very stable so if it was crashing it's likely due to failing hardware or something installed later. Of course not all machines have the best specs even though the manufacturer will sell them. Such as more RAM.

 

The point is though that since Vista came pre-installed the XP installation may or may not be the problem but I think we have to determine if it is first.

 

Do you have the XP disks?

Do you have all the Windows updates?

[RandyL]

Sorry Armageddon you posted while I was typing. I hope that those drivers help him.

[BeeCeeBee]

I still think it would be a good idea to either check the monitor on another computer or the computer with another monitor and possibly switch out the cable. Everything above is 100% correct unless, as RandyL has pointed out, it is a hardware problem.

[Armageddon]

I agree BeeCeeBee it may be worthwhile AliKat trying the laptop with a second monitor, just to be certain but hopefully Intel's XP drivers should do the job

 

Dave

[AliKat71]

Hi don't have the XP disk etc.. also laptop in well over 3 years old and XP has been running with no problems for this length of time - this is the first issue I've had.

 

I thought it was a virus to begin with :-(

 

I have tried the driver route - checked what was already installed and selected the closet match on the link that was supplied - downloaded and install in safe mode.

 

First attempt in normal mode - it still didn't work - but booted it up again and it's been running fine now for 3 hours - I have restarted it during this time and it's still good.

 

Thank you all so much for your help :-)

[Armageddon]

Ali your welcome glad we could help

 

Dave