Weird on-screen problem

[Longfellow]

No 4 grandson removed a hi-score file from a game (Marbles),
using Start -> Search then delete.
Screen then showed a number of vertical 3cm dark tracks,full depth,
that seem to be composed of a number of horizontal dark lines,
these over the top of the required screen display, that seems blurred.
Rebooting usually lets him use Word, receive/send emails and the screen is
OK,
but any game produces these dark lines again.
I have tried 'dxdiag', and this reports all OK.
Please, has anyone any suggestions as to how to clear
the problem.
My grandson needs the computer to continue his academic
course, so XP reinstall is not an option.
Its a Dell 2.8 GHz, Windows XP Home.

 

[Malke]

No 4 grandson removed a hi-score file from a game (Marbles),
using Start -> Search then delete.
Screen then showed a number of vertical 3cm dark tracks,full depth,
that seem to be composed of a number of horizontal dark lines,
these over the top of the required screen display, that seems blurred.
Rebooting usually lets him use Word, receive/send emails and the screen is
OK,
but any game produces these dark lines again.
I have tried 'dxdiag', and this reports all OK.
Please, has anyone any suggestions as to how to clear
the problem.
My grandson needs the computer to continue his academic
course, so XP reinstall is not an option.
Its a Dell 2.8 GHz, Windows XP Home.

It sounds like he deleted more than just a game file. Do a System
Restore to before he did whatever it was he did.

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore
"Restore my computer to an earlier time"

If that doesn't work, try reinstalling your graphics card drivers. Get
them either from the Resource CD that came with your Dell or from Dell's
tech support website for your specific model computer.


Malke