Desktop resolution fuzzy and grainy... What could the issue be?

by Deji
9 replies
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Hi Warriors. I just fixed a clients computer. The computer was locked and every attempt to remove the password did not work. So I formatted and reinstalled the OS (XP Professional, x32) on it. However, upon booting up, I noticed that the screen display was grainy and fuzzy. The desktop has 512MB RAM and a 40GB HDD. Since I was unable to login prior to formatting and reinstalling because of the password, I don't know how the display looked like initially. What could the problem be? Could it be that the RAM is too low for XP or could it be a graphics card issue or any other issue? Thanks in advance for your answers.
#computer #desktop #operating system #ram #xp professional
  • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
    Sounds like a bad connection to the video card. Is the video on the motherboard or on a separate video card?

    If it has a video card can you pull it out, clean the contacts, and put it back in? Also try unplugging the monitor from the computer. Can you clean those contacts?

    :-Don
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Probably the wrong video driver.

    This is why I hate Windows XP and loved Vista when it came out.

    Driver recognition.

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    • Profile picture of the author gearmex
      Originally Posted by Sarevok View Post

      Probably the wrong video driver.

      This is why I hate Windows XP and loved Vista when it came out.

      Driver recognition.

      This, most likely check the driver if not an issue then check cables if anything broken (Monitor cable only no other)
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      • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
        Banned
        Soft tissue (or toilet paper will do). Gently clean your spectacles.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by Horny Devil View Post

          Soft tissue (or toilet paper will do). Gently clean your spectacles.
          Sheesh, that's like the third time this week someone has made (essentially) the same joke I was going to make. I'm going to have to start reporting you people.
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          Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Sarevok is likely right. The STANDARD video is not that good. And even some of the higher STANDARD resolutions may be handled differently. If they are, the card will default to resolutions BELOW 1024, and maybe even below a few below that.

    I'm not aware of any connections being able to consistently affect this, so a connection problem is probably less likely.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Deji
    Thanks guys. The issue was the graphics driver. I went to the Dell website and installed the driver from there, rebooted the computer and everything was perfect. Thanks once again for all your help.
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    Driver recognition was not enough to get me to even like Vista,much less love it. XP over Vista any day.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    VISTA was HORRIBLE! If I were a manufacturer, and had an hour on a system, I would INSIST that M/S DISABLE AERO by default. That one MINOR change would make it FAR better! Windows 7 DOES have AERO but, *********SURPRISE*********, it is OFF by default! WHAT ****IDIOT**** would think that people would like to see the stupid translucent border to infinity at the cost of MEMORY, DISK SPACE, and CPU resources!?!?!?!? It IS a neat effect, but NOT WORTH IT!

    Steve
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