Video Related Issues    

Video Card Troubleshooting

Signs of Video Card trouble could be:

  • Computer intermittently locks up when playing 3D games.
  • Unable to play certain games.
  • Windows has difficulty launching in normal mode.
  • Small colored dots splattered across your screen.

If you are experiencing any of the above, then please try the following steps to fix the problem:

  1. Be sure that the Monitor is hooked directly to the PC and not by any video extension cables.
  2. Check the connectors for any bent or broken pins. Also, check for any other signs of damage. If any damage exists, replace the affected cable.
  3. Reinstall or update your Video driver. You will need to visit the manufactures web site to obtain the correct driver for your video card.
  4. Try downloading the latest version of Direct-X from Microsoft's web site.
  5. Visit the problem games web site for any patches that may be available.
  6. Try re-seating the video card.
  7. If none of the steps has helped your video issue, then it is very possible that you have a bad video card.

Screen Resolution Won't Stay

Problem:

Every time I logon to Windows XP my screen resolution defaults back to a large size and I have to go manually change it. How can I make this setting stay where I want it?

Possible Solution:

It sounds like you need to update your video card drivers or your current drivers have become corrupt. Try going to your manufactures web site and download the latest drivers or you can have Windows search for driver updates for you (detailed below). You can find out who made the video card by going to:

Start>> Administrative Tools>> Computer Management. Under the System Tools category, click Device Manager. Click the plus symbol (+) next to the entry titled Display adapters.

From here, you can allow Windows to search for an updated driver for you. Here's how:

  1. While in Device Manager and with your Display adapter showing, right-click the display adapter.
  2. In the resulting right-click menu, select Update Driver...
  3. The Hardware Update Wizard will now provide onscreen instructions for updating your drivers.