PC Resource Guide, Video Support Page

There are a number of reasons for video problems.  We have tried to amass the most common and walk you through the repair process.  Please choose your specific problem from the following.

How do I install a new Video Card?

READ FIRST! Overview of Video Problems.

My computer starts but I don't get any video at all!

My computer starts, the Windows startup screen comes on and then freezes, when I restart the computer Windows starts in Safe Mode.

I’ve tried everything on this page and still have the problem!

Video Problems can normally be diagnosed by checking the following.

 As with any computer problem, always check the hardware path.  In other words, follow connections from your electric wall outlet to the problems source hardware. Since this is a video problem we check from the electric wall outlet to the video card.  First step is to make sure that the monitor is functioning properly. Is it plugged into an electrical outlet, if so, is there an indication that the power is working on the monitor, such as an LED light.  If you are not sure whether the monitor is working or not, you should borrow another monitor and see if it works, or attach your monitor to another computer. This way you will know right off if you need to go any further in the trouble shooting process.  Video problems are by far the most disastrous, frustrating and always the hardest to fix.  The reason is that  when you have video driver errors, it can go from a nuisance in your video like lines running across the screen to a blank screen, Windows protection errors, to the ultimate "BSOD" (Blue Screen of Death).  Microsoft knows this, and has a number of built in features to help you overcome these problems.  Please remember that the fixes listed below are basic and may or may not fix your problem. These are the simplest measures you can take to rectify your video problems, they by no means will fix all video problems.  Once you have used the below information and still have problems you may click on our advanced technical help page or locate a reputable computer repair facility and have them check it for you. If you are sure that your monitor is working properly follow these steps:

My computer starts but I don't get any video at all!

   First step, go back to the beginning and make sure your monitor is working.  2.  When you start the computer, does it sound like everything is working (like you can still hear the hard drive spinning and you hear the Windows audio file startup).  If you are sure that the monitor is functioning properly and you have one of the above problems then the most likely culprit is the video card.  Now you have two things to try, TURN OFF the computer, leave it plugged into the wall outlet (this will insure it's grounded), open your computer case (if your not sure how check with the manual that came with your computer).  If possible, use some type of static discharge device, such as a grounded wrist strap or pad.  If you do not have one of these, ground yourself prior to touching any internal components by holding the case frame and touching the power supply (the thingy with all the electrical cables running out of it and a fan in the back).  Once your sure that your grounded, look for the video card.  It's easy to find, it's the only one with the monitor connected to it!  Now, gently grab the video card evenly with both hands and push downward into the slot it occupies.  Place the cover back on the computer and start it up. If it works, congratulations, your done and the problem was a loose video card.  If this does not fix the video problem.  The second fix is to replace the existing video card with a known good card, if the new card works, congratulations, your done.  If neither of these seem to work then the problem could be on the motherboard.  It is also possible that your RAM (Random Access Memory) chips are bad, installed incorrectly, or have mismatched speeds.  To check this replace the RAM and check the video again.  If this does not help, you will most likely have to replace the motherboard.

How do I install a new Video Card?

WARNING: Please read Diagnose/Removing Components FIRST! Once you have established that you want or need a new video card you need to know what type of card to get.  There are currently three major types of video cards that range in price from about thirty dollars into the hundreds.  First is the oldest, 16 bit card, second is the newer PCI card and the newest is the AGP card. Without getting into any details about each, just remember that you MUST purchase the card based on the availability of your computer. Most current PC’s (within the last few years) will accommodate a PCI Video card and most will also have an AGP Slot.  Check your motherboard manual or contact the board manufacturer to find out which card will work in your PC. Use the instructions in Removing Components to install your new video card. Once the hardware is installed start your computer and Windows should recognize the new video card and request the drivers for it.  Make sure you read the manual that came with the video card prior to starting your computer.