Hi all

Have been working on a friends PC (Win XP) that recently crashed from what i believe to be a monitor problem (Evesham EV771).

Have got it up and running again (thanks to merlin!) but the screen flashes on and off to a completely black screen every time i perform an action (as each program loads on start up it flashes, hit the start menu and it flashes, hit Programs and it flashes etc etc). Each flash lasts for about 2 seconds and carries on, on and off, for the duration that each separate windows is opened.

This doesn't happen in safe mode. Have tried uninstalling/installing and updating all adapters, drivers and chipsets, device manager reports everything as ok and have run DXDIAG tests which were all fine. All the fans and temps are also ok. Have also removed all the dust from inside the tower.

I noticed that one of the 15 little copper? pins in the monitors data cable were missing so tried a different monitor and its 90% better but there's still small white horizontal flashes every time i perform an action. I have also made sure that the missing pin from the cable isn't stuck inside the port.

I cannot try a different cable on her monitor as its integrated into the unit. I'm presuming she will need a new monitor but am wondering if there's anything else i can try and why the problem still persists when using a different monitor (even though it is 90% better).

Thanks for any advice you are able to give.

Hello Kazzak.

If this is a PCI slot graphics card try resitting it in the slot.

Update hardware drivers for monitor and graphics card.

Check cables are fully connected or try a diffrent cable.

Also adjust power settings,resolution etc via right click on the computer screen and choose properties.

I have marked your thread as "Open" ready to receive further help from the guys and girls of the forum.

Jelly Bean.

Thanks Jelly Bean but i've already tried all of the above.

have you tried to change the monitors refresh rate if this is set to high it can cause the screen to flicker it may be set to high , you could try to set it to 50hertz first to see if there is any change if that works fine you can raise the refresh to suit

It's the VGA card or motherboard..

Install another VGA card (borrow one off friend or family). See what happens.


Report back.......................

Thanks elpmek you were right.

Sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you but it's the first chance i've had since the Easter holidays.

2 of the capacitors on the graphics card had blown. I replaced it with a second hand one i bought on ebay for 99p and problem now solved! None of the other capacitors on the motherboard had blown so i'm hoping that's the end of it.

Thanks very much for the great advice.