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My PC died...
poshniallo
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, my main pc, a desktop running Windows XP, suddenly froze. I rebooted it using the power button, but windows doesn't load - I get a windows logo come up, but it's corrupted by some vertical lines, and then the screen goes dark.
What is the problem likely to be? The graphics card is dead or something? I'm medium clueless about PCs - the most I've ever done is put a new graphics card in (years ago, so that's not thide problem) or some RAM.
Any ideas would be very welcome.
What is the problem likely to be? The graphics card is dead or something? I'm medium clueless about PCs - the most I've ever done is put a new graphics card in (years ago, so that's not thide problem) or some RAM.
Any ideas would be very welcome.
I figure I could take a bear.
poshniallo on
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It seems like it is probably a graphical issue. Usually if you see artifacts that early into post its not a good sign.
I can get it to run in safe mode, but the graphics are corrupted, mostly by groups of vertical lines.
As this PC is an old compact/lowprofile box, and I really don't like it much, I guess I will sell the parts and get a new one.
<sigh>
If this is a really old PC, you could pick up a replacement card for under $50. It doesn't sound like you're particularly excited about buying a brand new computer, so maybe try that first. If it doesn't work, you can just take it back.
Also, if your computer is several years old, save yourself the hassle of parting it out and either give it away to a friend/family member or chuck it. Computer hardware loses its re-sale value fairly quickly, and after more than perhaps two years, it's borderline worthless.
Check to see if any of them have a raised head. If one of them has exploded and poped its top your graphic card is basicly stuffed.
Same with the motherboard if you can find them all.
You could get a 2nd hand graphics card. By the sound it chances are you can "buy" it for a couple of beers or a pizza.
theyre capacitors. does your motherboard have onboard video? if so, try hooking it up and booting with that running. (take your vid card out). if its still garbled you might have a bad cable to your monitor. if its not, then it's your video card.
also, clean out the fans on your power supply if you havent already. PSUs tend to burn out and stop providing enough power to do what your computer needs it to