Am I having a display prob or a videocard prob?

[ahhaa]

I have this older XP computer that over time has become the workhorse; it doesn't go online but runs OCR, scanner, video edits etc.

It's suddenly developed an intermittent problem I've never seen before.
On cold boot, it would run some DOS lines on black as it setup, then go into Windows XP sp3.

Now, it seems to be starting normally, but the screen repeatedly flashes the name of the flatscreen display maker ( AOC ), and stays black in between. I can hear the Windows startup sound, and the HD light flickers normally- I believe that Windows is loading normally, but the display isn't getting a good signal.

The video card is old- an Nvidia GeForce4 MX440 with AGP8X.

I don't now have a substitute for either the display or the card, so I need to suss out which is the problem.

Thing is, if I fiddle with the monitor cable, it may or may not be fixing itself.

Also, even wierder, after powering down the computer, the monitor will continue to repeatedly flash the AOC logo for several minutes...

I'm thinking dirty contacts, or over heating, or ???

Oh, and wierdest thing is that once it comes up, it works fine for as long as I care to use it- it is definitely a startup prob.

Anybody ever experience anything like this?


Also, if I need to replace the video card, anybody got an idea if I need to get the same card (due to drivers)?

Thanks in advance!

[johns0]

Sounds like a video card problem,i had the same issue a couple times with different cards,just get another agp card,doesn't need to be the same one,just uninstall the drivers if its an ati/radeon.

[ranchhand]

I don't now have a substitute for either the display

That's a problem. All you can do is swap out the cable to test, and then take the monitor & connect to a different computer. If it runs with no problems, you can remove it as suspect. If it does the same thing....

or the card

Do you have integrated video on the motherboard? If so, remove the video card and use that to test. If you don't, you have to get a substitute card to test.

Just in case you have corrupted video/system drivers, do a repair reinstallation from the XP install disk. If you don't have one then that is not an option (obviously). Another suggestion is to check the box for dust buildup on the CPU heatsink and card which could cause overheating.

[nic2k4]

Also, even wierder, after powering down the computer, the monitor will continue to repeatedly flash the AOC logo for several minutes...

Is that happening after the PC has turned off? Next time you shutdown, try pulling the power cable out after the PC turns off. If the monitor still flashes the AOC logo, then it's most likely a monitor issue. Just wait for the bad component to die (if it ever does), monitors are easy to replace and new AGP cards are still available from Newegg, Tiger Direct and ---- (about $40) and there will be used cards on ebay for years.

Drivers are not a reason to worry about which card to get. No matter which brand card you'd get, boot windows in safe mode and uninstall the old driver with the add remove program in control panel, then reboot and install the new driver.

[ahhaa]

Thanks guys!
A quick update: I eliminated overheating, as it does it in the first few seconds after being off overnight.

Now I'm thinking it's a tarnished contact or defective solder joint at the monitor video plug or inside the monitor...

...it has been meekly responding to a sharp slap up longside the display (not cable wiggling) by then instantly working correctly.
How long this will work I don't know, but its far out of warranty and I've at least been able to backup the desktop project debris.

[ranchhand]

If you wish to gain great experience, dis-assemble the monitor and check for any circuit boards with cracks in solder joints; a "slap" usually means a loose connection, and a large percentage of time that means a loose solder joint that is popped back into position. Sometimes I have to use a desk "swing" lamp with at least a 60 watt bulb and a hand-held magnifying glass, but I usually spot them. Especially check the small circuit board where the video cable plugs in, those usually start cracking from the strain of the cable mounting. When dis-assembled, gently move the cable back & forth and look for any play whatsoever where the socket is soldered into the circuit board. The "slapping" method will work for a while, but eventually that will fail. Several times I have fixed my beloved Altec Lansing speakers that way (ala 1998) when they start to "humm" and get fussy.