Computer Question

[Pats2006]

I have a Dell. I reinstalled WinXP and all the Drivers. When I install the Video driver the computer fucks up. The screen flicks on and off. So I have to start the computer on Safe mode. Any one know what the hell the problem could be? You Think I need to go out and buy a new video card?



Thanks guys.

[Philly Fin Fan]

Anytime I do somethign to cause my computer to go on the fritz, I just use the "restore" feature and restore it to a day or two earlier, when everything was fine.

[NYFan204]

Some cards require that you install the driver as the first driver. Check the system lights on the back of your tower to see if their is any problem. However, if your monitor is flashing and doing all kinds of wierd things, your card could be toast. Go to the web site (if you can) of the manufacturer and see if you can get the latest version. I used to swear by dell, but the last few computers I have bought have had issues with hard drives and video cards. Last, listen to the beeps when you boot up. Most computers still use an old error system from dos.

[Pats2006]

Some cards require that you install the driver as the first driver. Check the system lights on the back of your tower to see if their is any problem. However, if your monitor is flashing and doing all kinds of wierd things, your card could be toast. Go to the web site (if you can) of the manufacturer and see if you can get the latest version. I used to swear by dell, but the last few computers I have bought have had issues with hard drives and video cards. Last, listen to the beeps when you boot up. Most computers still use an old error system from dos.

I just ordered a new Video card from newegg.com I hope thats the proplem. I hate Dell. Im going to the Sony Vaio next.

[Brian Fein]

Off topic....

Newegg.com is the bomb.

That is all.

[cyan]

I have a Dell.

there's your first problem.

building it yourself is the only way to go...twice the value, one afternoon's work. i'm trying to help a friend build himself a new PC for the same reason as yourself, he has a dell...you can't delete partitions, cant uninstall some software, their mobos are dogshit, not to mention their computers (excepting XPS) aren't powerful enough for gaming anyway.

[Spider-Dan]

there's your first problem.

building it yourself is the only way to go...twice the value, one afternoon's work.

Maybe this was true 5 years ago.  It certainly isn't true now, unless you actually want a specific case.

PCs are too cheap now for building from scratch to be worth it.  Most of the objections you mentioned (such as partitions and bothersome software) are solved by a complete wipe/reinstall from the start.  As far as not being gaming-ready... anyone who really wanted a gamping-specced computer probably wouldn't be buying a Dell off the shelf anyway.

I won't build computers for family/friends any more.  It's just not worth it.