2006-03-02

Computer Desktop Trouble

BULLOCKS, Bullocks, bullocks,

Situation
My Desktop system (Dell Dimension 8200) is getting on my nerves.
I'm running Windows XP Professional SP2.
The screen switches off every time some change is applied to the display, and then it returns active (the screen). These changes include moving of a window, resizing a window, and sometimes switching windows (changing focus). Almost all redraw causes multiple screen-flickers (with too much a delay like 2 secondseconds) while each component is drawn, causing like 10 to 50 blinks before a single dialog-box is displayed.
  • When launching the OS in VGA-modus, (640x480 or 800x600), the problem doesn't occur. Even changing resolution within this VGA modus, is no problem. But as soon as the OS discovers the Video-card and charges its specific driver, the blinking starts and it's no friendly eye-blink (anymore).
Trials
  • Replacing the hardware graphics adapter (nVidia GeForce 4 for an MSI ATI 9250) didn't solve the problem. Although it seems that ATI doesn't have the problem in lower resolutions, but at 1600x1200 it does.
  • The cable between adapter and dispaly doesn't seem to be at fault since the problem occurs both when connected using a VGA- and a DVI-cable.
  • The Display (LCD) doesn't seem to be malfunctioning when attached to another system and also running in 1600x1200.
  • Even the OS is not at fault since another harddisk was inserted, and a NEW installation from scratch was performed and... once again the blinking starts annoying me.
  • A memtest86 of the memory passes without glitch.
What remains....
  • motherboard should be replaced to test its fault, but could be difficult since specific format for the DELL airduct over processor
  • processor could be at fault, but don't think so
  • memory ... but is expensive to test.
brhhhrhrhrh
I'm really getting it on my nerves.

Temporary Fix
When fidging with the advanced settings of the Display Adapter interface, I disabled *ALL* Hardware Accellerated activities, and this seems to solve the problem. Even the smallest acceleration allowed, restarts the problem.
Of course this prevents me from playing the super-game "Spacetripper"..., and so probably other programs as well which still need to be discovered.
But I'm working again.

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posted by Dieter @ 13:39

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