BleepingComputer.com: XP graphics and black screens

Once I log onto IE and open the window my screen goes black for about 10 seconds and loads back up really slow. Then when it is finished and my webpage is up, the graphics are all messed up. The icons and pictures are all 'pixelish' and very choppy.....you can't really tell what they are. Was wondering if you could help me with this problem.

I have already posted on the Hijack log forum and there isn't anything there they can help me with. They referred me to this board. This is the thread to the Hijack post if you need it: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic194560.html

Thanks for your time and help,
BooBoosWife

Did this problem start after the installation of new hardware/software?

Looks like a graphics card problem, so I'd suggest you try and update its drivers.

This problem didn't start after any new hardware was added........haven't added anything in a very long time. Where do I go to get the drivers updated???

Thanks,
BBW

Which drivers do I update? There are 4 under the Intel® tab in my device manager. Do I update them all.....2 controllers, 1 hub, and 1 bridge?

Thanks,
BBW

System manufacturer and model?

If the system is made by Dell, eMachines, etc...then the drivers should be available at the respective manufacturer's website.

If the system is custom-built or assembled by self, then the motherboard manufacturer and model will help us to locate the correct drivers.

Louis

I went to Compaq's website and did the updates. But it is still doing it.....though not as often and some of the graphics are clearer now. What now? There were a bunch of other updates available for my computer......should I update all the other things? I have never updated before.

Thanks,
BBW

I only update drivers when I have a problem with the drivers installed (for whatever reason).

If I don't have a problem, I don't update...I take the approach that it doesn't require a fix and allow it to continue to function.

Others take a different view.

Louis

I did the updates to the graphics driver and it is still doing it. Any suggestions??

Thanks,
BBW

If the drivers don't change anything positively...then I would suspect that the graphics chip may be fading.

The test would involve inserting an appropriate (must match motherboard capabilities) physical video card and seeing if your problems continue with such.

Louis

Just out of curiosity, how much RAM do you have?

I have 760 RAM. Is that the problem??

Thanks,
BBW

It could be, really depends on your RAM usage. If you're running multiple applications, then it most likely is.

What can I do now?

I would try and upgrade your RAM to see if that solves your problem. I did initially think that it was a graphics card driver problem, but since you attempted to update them without any improvement, my next thought would be to try and upgrade the RAM.

Remember that there are many causes for your problem, ranging from malware, slow CPU's, to even overheating CPU's.

If you'd like me to take a closer look, please post your whole system specs, everything from windows version, to hardware information to motherboard make and model.

Good luck

MicheleBarr-Burkett, on Feb 9 2009, 06:31 AM, said:

I run XP Home with only 640 meg of ram with no problems at all. I do not have many programs running automatically at startup but most of the time I have many applications open at one time. I always have America Online with Power Tools running and Zonealarm antivirus and firewall running, as well as several windows open of IE, one with a game loaded and many other windows with websites loaded, and most of the time at least a couple of other programs running at the same time. I have never had a slow running computer or problems from too many applications open. If it has been a week or so since I have rebooted, the virtual memory thing might popup telling me it is being increased which tells me before playing certain games, I should restart the computer soon to prevent that game from having a problem. If I am not going to open the games soon, I don't even reboot then and do not notice any problems.

I am not as knowledgeable as most people here, but it seems to me that if your computer has been running fine for a long time with that amount of ram before this problem, and you have not installed any resource hogging programs recently, I would not be thinking ram is your problem. If this problem was happening all the time, and not just when using IE, I would be thinking it is a video card problem. As it is, from what you have said, this only happens when using the web, so I do not know what your problem is, only piped in because I do not think your problem is ram.

Btw, what type of internet connection do you have and was there any change in it before this problem started and have you tried repairing or reinstalling IE?