Monitor Garbled

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Guest

I just got a Dell from my brother. It has Window's XP loaded. It worked for
him at his home.

I plugged in an old loaner monitor that appears to work.
When I start up the computer, I get:
1) the Window's XP logo clearly labeled
2) black with garbled white lines (could be text)
3) the desktop completely garbled with ghosting and multiple desktop images

I don't believe this is a monitor problem because the first screen is crytal
clear.
When the "desktop" appears, I have multiple arrows (mouse cursor) and I
can't see well enough to select the control panel.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to reboot the system in a way
that the screen automatically resets itself?

Any help would be appreciated. I'm new to Windows, but I know enough to be
dangerous.

Thanks
 
Have you lloked to see if there are any Monitor Controls on the front of the
monitor (or back).
 
Sounds like your over driving the monitor. Boot into safe mode and change
the refresh rate.
 
Yes. There are controls, and changing them make to difference to the
problem. When the machine begins booting up, the screen is clear and
readable. The issue appears to be with XP, and not the actual monitor itself.

Is there a keyboard shortcut or key to press while the computer is booting
up to set the machine to default settings?

thanks!
 
Please excuse my typing - that should read:
"changing them make NO difference to the problem."

thanks
 
And, another thing Dave. This discussion board is called XP Basics. If my
question is too basic for you, you are welcomed to ignore me and go about
your business. Your answer was appreciated, your rudeness was not.
 
It may just be your graphics card. Go to My Computer>right
click>properties>hardware>Device Manger>display adapter>click on the '+'
sign, right click the device that's listed>update driver.
 
Sorry about some people.

To boot into Safe Mode:

1. As the system comes up and the Windows XP with the scrolling progress
bar appears, IMMEDIATELY start pressing the F8 button. Keep pressing it
until the Windows XP Menu appears.
2. From that menu, you should see Safe Mode

As stated, it can be your Refresh rate or you do not have the correct
drivers for that monitor.
When in Safe Mode, you are not using specific monitor video drivers ...
Windows is using the standard SVGA driver built into every video card.

If you monitor appears correct, then your problem is probably you monitor
driver.
You should be able to determine what Monitor Driver you have by opening
Control Panel | Display | Settings
 
At some point everyone has to realize that they need to start helping
themselves, I gave you a resource to do just that.
 
bronson said:
That's extremely helpful - however ...

how do I boot into safe mode?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

Should be the F8 key with most systems. Select Safe Mode from the choices.

You should also see what monitor is entered in Device Manager and change
it for the current one. It is likely that your current monitor can't be
auto-selected by WinXP.
 
Hi,

You may have jarred the video card during transport and should reseat it.
Simply power off, unplug the video cable, remove the cover, and unscrew the
screw holding the card in place. Pull it straight up and out of the board,
then line it up and plug it back in and reverse the steps.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
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