ATI Radeon 9600 PRO Video Card

[Guest]

Hi:
I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know where I should go to get the answer to my question
I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." My computer is 7 months old. Recently, I started working with FrontPage 2003, in fact I've been working with it A LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence, but since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know this sounds stupid, but I'm starting to wonder if it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me or is my video card or monitor getting ready to fail? Are there telltale signs that the card/monitor is going bad in addition to blurry text?
Thank you very much!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Visit www.ati.com , search for the latest Windows XP drivers for your
ATI video card, and download them. Uninstall the old drivers before
installing the new ones.

CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 - Driver Download
http://www.ati.com/support/drivers/...&prod=productsXPdriver&submit.x=12&submit.y=5

Installation Instructions:
http://www.ati.com/support/includes/tips.html

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Hi:
| I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know where I should go to get the answer to
my question.
| I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." My computer is 7 months old. Recently, I
started working with FrontPage 2003, in fact I've been working with it A LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence,
but since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know this sounds stupid, but I'm starting to
wonder if it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me or is my video card or monitor getting ready to fail?
Are there telltale signs that the card/monitor is going bad in addition to blurry text?
| Thank you very much!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

P.S. After installing the new drivers, right-click on your Desktop and select:
Properties > Settings and change the Color Quality to Highest (32-bit), then
adjust the Screen Resolution to your liking.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

 

[Guest]

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for responding so quickly. I am a faithful user of the Windows Update, including driver updates. In fact, on February 25, I did an "ATI display software update released on 1/20/04." In trying to do some research on this, I noticed in my installation history that the update was done twice. Should I be concerned? Also, shouldn't this take care of my updates or do you still suggest I go to the ATI website for an update for the problem I am currently experiencing
Thanks


----- Carey Frisch [MVP] wrote: ----

Visit www.ati.com , search for the latest Windows XP drivers for you
ATI video card, and download them. Uninstall the old drivers befor
installing the new ones

CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 - Driver Downloa
http://www.ati.com/support/drivers/...c&prod=productsXPdriver&submit.x=12&submit.y=

Installation Instructions
http://www.ati.com/support/includes/tips.htm

--
Carey Frisc
Microsoft MV
Windows XP - Shell/Use

Be Smart! Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Hi
| I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know where I should go to get the answer to
my question
| I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." My computer is 7 months old. Recently, I
started working with FrontPage 2003, in fact I've been working with it A LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence,
but since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know this sounds stupid, but I'm starting to
wonder if it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me or is my video card or monitor getting ready to fail?
Are there telltale signs that the card/monitor is going bad in addition to blurry text
| Thank you very much!

 

[Guest]

the windows update site does not contain the very latest drivers many times. I have a similar card to yours, the 9700 pro. The drivers on the ATI site are the most current. I havent had any problems running them.

Is the text SMALL and blurry? you might have changed your screen resolution to high, which on some monitors would make it harder to read. Also, is this a flat panel lcd monitor? if so they usually have a default resolution that they work best at. In the menu of the monitor (or in the manual or website) it should tell you the default resolution. try setting your resolution to that (if you have an lcd monitor).

 

[Guest]

I have a 17" CRT Monitor. The text is a good size for me by having the resolution set at 1024 x 768. Any of the other settings are either TOO big or TOO small. To anyone that might be following this, I would be remiss if I didn't mention two things
1. I am not real knowledgeable with computers but I get by. I always do a lot of research and usually learn but it takes me awhile
2. I had already contacted my support people about this but I am never real comfortable with that. They narrowed the problem down to either my monitor failing or the video card failing. They were quick to just send me a new video card. However, I am not real comfortable just popping open my case and installing a new card
Please help! I was just in the middle of TRYING to update my website when all of this started happening.
Thank you so very much

----- Ian L wrote: ----

the windows update site does not contain the very latest drivers many times. I have a similar card to yours, the 9700 pro. The drivers on the ATI site are the most current. I havent had any problems running them.

Is the text SMALL and blurry? you might have changed your screen resolution to high, which on some monitors would make it harder to read. Also, is this a flat panel lcd monitor? if so they usually have a default resolution that they work best at. In the menu of the monitor (or in the manual or website) it should tell you the default resolution. try setting your resolution to that (if you have an lcd monitor).

 

[peter]

The problem with the Windows Update site as far as drivers are concerned is that
they are always behind.
Whereas the Manufacturer is always the first to post new drivers.
I would check Video settings and if you do have a LCD monitor go to display
properties/appearance/effects
and click on..following method to smooth edges of screen fonts..use clear type
peter

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for responding so quickly. I am a faithful user of the

Windows Update, including driver updates. In fact, on February 25, I did an
"ATI display software update released on 1/20/04." In trying to do some
research on this, I noticed in my installation history that the update was done
twice. Should I be concerned? Also, shouldn't this take care of my updates or
do you still suggest I go to the ATI website for an update for the problem I am
currently experiencing?

Thanks!


----- Carey Frisch [MVP] wrote: -----

Visit www.ati.com , search for the latest Windows XP drivers for your
ATI video card, and download them. Uninstall the old drivers before
installing the new ones.

CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 - Driver Download
http://www.ati.com/support/drivers/...&prod=productsXPdriver&submit.x=12&submit.y=5

Installation Instructions:
http://www.ati.com/support/includes/tips.html

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------


| Hi:
| I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know

where I should go to get the answer to

my question.
| I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." My

computer is 7 months old. Recently, I

started working with FrontPage 2003, in fact I've been working with it A

LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence,

but since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know

this sounds stupid, but I'm starting to

wonder if it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me or is my video

card or monitor getting ready to fail?

 

[peter]

Actually Gail its not that hard to change a video card all you need is a
screwdriver.(phillips)
first you shut your system down and turn off the power
after you remove a few screws the side panel should slide off real easy
you can find the video card easy enough its connected to the monitor
unplug the connection
unscrew the little screw that holds it to the back plate
pull the video card straight out ..if its AGP it will have a little clip in the
top right corner..un clip it first
now gently but firmly insert the new card pay attention to the slot alignment
and the part that stick out the back
push the clip back on.
screw it back onto the back plate....at this point you can usually tell if the
card is in tight
reconnect the monitor and test it before you close the case...just in case
good luck
peter

I have a 17" CRT Monitor. The text is a good size for me by having the

resolution set at 1024 x 768. Any of the other settings are either TOO big or
TOO small. To anyone that might be following this, I would be remiss if I
didn't mention two things:

1. I am not real knowledgeable with computers but I get by. I always do a

lot of research and usually learn but it takes me awhile.

2. I had already contacted my support people about this but I am never real

comfortable with that. They narrowed the problem down to either my monitor
failing or the video card failing. They were quick to just send me a new video
card. However, I am not real comfortable just popping open my case and
installing a new card.

Please help! I was just in the middle of TRYING to update my website when all of this started happening.
Thank you so very much!

----- Ian L wrote: -----

the windows update site does not contain the very latest drivers many

times. I have a similar card to yours, the 9700 pro. The drivers on the ATI site
are the most current. I havent had any problems running them.

Is the text SMALL and blurry? you might have changed your screen

resolution to high, which on some monitors would make it harder to read. Also,
is this a flat panel lcd monitor? if so they usually have a default resolution
that they work best at. In the menu of the monitor (or in the manual or website)
it should tell you the default resolution. try setting your resolution to that
(if you have an lcd monitor).

 

[Guest]

----- Gail wrote: ----

I have a 17" CRT Monitor. The text is a good size for me by having the resolution set at 1024 x 768. Any of the other settings are either TOO big or TOO small. To anyone that might be following this, I would be remiss if I didn't mention two things
1. I am not real knowledgeable with computers but I get by. I always do a lot of research and usually learn but it takes me awhile
2. I had already contacted my support people about this but I am never real comfortable with that. They narrowed the problem down to either my monitor failing or the video card failing. They were quick to just send me a new video card. However, I am not real comfortable just popping open my case and installing a new card
Please help! I was just in the middle of TRYING to update my website when all of this started happening.
Thank you so very much

--------

the fact that you found these news groups already shows you know more the most people do :

how old is the monitor? I had a 19 inch monitor that a few months ago would start making things blurry a bit. It was definitely the monitor in that case since i also tried another vid card and tried a 2nd monitor.

Replacing the video card should be pretty easy. Lay the computer down and open the case (unplug the power first). There should be one screw holding the vid card in place (there might also be a little plastic clip that you have to slide out of the locking position). just pull the card out and put the new one back in

If you have a 2nd computer, plug this monitor into the 2nd computer and see if its blurry. if it is then you know its the monitor and dont have to bother with pulling the vid card out.

 

[Guest]

I do my best not to "annoy" you folks. It is so nice to have such a resource. Let me ask everyone's opinion
1. Should I just go ahead and replace the video card since one was sent to me o
2. Should I try to do the CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 Driver Update on the ATI website first

Also, when I was trying to get all my ducks in a row, under Device Manager it appears there are two cards listed. Strange, right
1. RADEON 9600 PR
2. RADEON 9600 PRO SE

What's up with that? I am sure I need to know which one I am replacing, right
Thank you so very much


----- peter wrote: ----

Actually Gail its not that hard to change a video card all you need is
screwdriver.(phillips
first you shut your system down and turn off the powe
after you remove a few screws the side panel should slide off real eas
you can find the video card easy enough its connected to the monito
unplug the connectio
unscrew the little screw that holds it to the back plat
pull the video card straight out ..if its AGP it will have a little clip in th
top right corner..un clip it firs
now gently but firmly insert the new card pay attention to the slot alignmen
and the part that stick out the bac
push the clip back on
screw it back onto the back plate....at this point you can usually tell if th
card is in tigh
reconnect the monitor and test it before you close the case...just in cas
good luc
pete

I have a 17" CRT Monitor. The text is a good size for me by having th

resolution set at 1024 x 768. Any of the other settings are either TOO big o
TOO small. To anyone that might be following this, I would be remiss if
didn't mention two things

1. I am not real knowledgeable with computers but I get by. I always do

lot of research and usually learn but it takes me awhile

2. I had already contacted my support people about this but I am never rea

comfortable with that. They narrowed the problem down to either my monito
failing or the video card failing. They were quick to just send me a new vide
card. However, I am not real comfortable just popping open my case an
installing a new card

Please help! I was just in the middle of TRYING to update my website when al of this started happening
Thank you so very much

times. I have a similar card to yours, the 9700 pro. The drivers on the ATI sit
are the most current. I havent had any problems running themresolution to high, which on some monitors would make it harder to read. Also
is this a flat panel lcd monitor? if so they usually have a default resolutio
that they work best at. In the menu of the monitor (or in the manual or website
it should tell you the default resolution. try setting your resolution to tha
(if you have an lcd monitor)

 

[peter]

Replace the video card first.
The 9600 pro is capable of 2monitors....thats the SEC part
On my system with the same card I have an LCD and a CRT hooked up
peter

I do my best not to "annoy" you folks. It is so nice to have such a resource. Let me ask everyone's opinion:
1. Should I just go ahead and replace the video card since one was sent to me or
2. Should I try to do the CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 Driver Update on the ATI website first?

Also, when I was trying to get all my ducks in a row, under Device Manager it

appears there are two cards listed. Strange, right?

 

[Guest]

I am going to do as suggested and replace the video card. It is getting rather late, though, so this will have to wait until tomorrow. However, once I install the new card, will I need to install any type of software for the new card? I look forward to more answers tomorrow
Thank you very much everyone
Have a nice evening

----- peter wrote: ----

Replace the video card first
The 9600 pro is capable of 2monitors....thats the SEC par
On my system with the same card I have an LCD and a CRT hooked u
pete

I do my best not to "annoy" you folks. It is so nice to have such a resource Let me ask everyone's opinion
1. Should I just go ahead and replace the video card since one was sent to m o
2. Should I try to do the CATALYST Windows XP 4.4 Driver Update on the AT website first

appears there are two cards listed. Strange, right

 

[peter]

seeing as you already have the software installed(drivers) there really is no
need to reinstall the drivers.
Unless you really do wish to upgrade to the newest ones.
Or your problem is not fixed with a new video card then perhaps you can try the
new ATI drivers 4.4.2 I believe( I dont use them I use Omega drivers based on
them)
Just remember that before you install the new ATI Radeon drivers and the new
control panel you need to uninstall the old ones thru control panel/add&remove
then reboot.This loads the XP generic drivers.I found it best to also disconnect
from the net during this as the XP "add hardware wizard" is pretty quick about
finding Radeon drivers on the XP website and you'll end up with the same
drivers.
good luck
peter

I am going to do as suggested and replace the video card. It is getting

rather late, though, so this will have to wait until tomorrow. However, once I
install the new card, will I need to install any type of software for the new
card? I look forward to more answers tomorrow!

 

[Interrogative]

Hi:
I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know where

I should go to get the answer to my question.

I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." My

computer is 7 months old. Recently, I started working with FrontPage 2003,
in fact I've been working with it A LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence, but
since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know this
sounds stupid, but I'm starting to wonder if it could just be my eyes
playing tricks on me or is my video card or monitor getting ready to fail?
Are there telltale signs that the card/monitor is going bad in addition to
blurry text?

Thank you very much!

Gail,

That blurry look is almost always the monitor beginning to die. I have the
same video card you do and put it under hard pressure with some of the
latest games. It works fabulously. My monitor is new and it doesn't blur.
However, I have used monitors that started to die in the past and it is
usually a blurry look that starts first.

There is one thing you may look at, though. Your monitor may be able to do
better than 60Hz and it may be possible that it is set at that or another Hz
rating that gives your monitor a strange look. Fiddle with the Hz rating (as
it reverts in 15 seconds to what it was before if it doesn't work) and see
if one suits you better than others. My monitor prefers 72Hz and it shows
things just right, then.

 

[Guest]

Well, things I have changed since I started this thread. I'm afraid now maybe it might be my monitor but I am hoping others could give me some input before I make my next step. I have now noticed that every now and then a "high pitched" noise will come from the back of the monitor. It doesn't last very long and it isn't consistent but it was not always like that. Would this be a definite sign that it is the monitor instead of the video card. If so, I want to be able to tell my tech support what I think it is so we can proceed accordingly. Sometimes I feel I know more than the tech help, present company excluded OF COURSE! I am just trying to handle this problem with as little hassle as possible.
Please believe me, I appreciate all this help

----- Interrogative wrote: ----

Hi
I sure hope I'm in the right newsgroup. If not, please let me know wher

I should go to get the answer to my question

I am having problems with my text appearing "blurry" or "fuzzy." M

computer is 7 months old. Recently, I started working with FrontPage 2003
in fact I've been working with it A LOT! Maybe it's just a coincidence, bu
since then, it seems that is when this started happening. I know thi
sounds stupid, but I'm starting to wonder if it could just be my eye
playing tricks on me or is my video card or monitor getting ready to fail
Are there telltale signs that the card/monitor is going bad in addition t
blurry text

Thank you very much

Gail

That blurry look is almost always the monitor beginning to die. I have th
same video card you do and put it under hard pressure with some of th
latest games. It works fabulously. My monitor is new and it doesn't blur
However, I have used monitors that started to die in the past and it i
usually a blurry look that starts first

There is one thing you may look at, though. Your monitor may be able to d
better than 60Hz and it may be possible that it is set at that or another H
rating that gives your monitor a strange look. Fiddle with the Hz rating (a
it reverts in 15 seconds to what it was before if it doesn't work) and se
if one suits you better than others. My monitor prefers 72Hz and it show
things just right, then

 

[Interrogative]

The tech support person said it could be one or the other. I guess it was

easier to send a new video card instead of a new monitor. In your opinion,
should I go ahead and install the video card? I guess it would be the
easiest thing to do at this point since I have it. Then, if I am still
having the problem it would definitely indicate the monitor is the problem.
I just can't believe that something would wear out after only 7 months. Oh
well, at least it is still under warranty. Would there be any other signs
that could narrow down which one is causing the problem? I am not real good
at doing hands-on stuff. I have directions on how to open up my computer
case and remove the old and install the new video card. However, won't
there be some type of software installation for the new card?

Changing Hz ratings is just going into Windows to try out. At that point
things may look OK to you. However, if you have exactly the same video card
as a replacement as the one in your machine, you need only take out the old
one and put in the new one without any installation of drivers etc.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.
P.S. - I have tried all kinds of adjustments to my computer, i.e., screen

resolution, hertz, etc. and nothing seems to make a difference.

Well, to be honest at this point, I would be blaming the monitor. Have you
access to another monitor so that you can just pull the plug out on the
current one and try another in it's place as a test? Easier doing THAT than
replacing a video card. If you arent happy with the idea of replacing the
video card if it comes to that, get someone in to do it for you. Honestly,
you dont want to inadvertently make things worse.

 

[peter]

Maybe taking your Monitor to a friends house and plugging it into their system
would tell you if it was defective.Mind you if there is any noise coming from a
monitor(unless you have build in speakers) means something is definitly not
right.
You realise Tech is going to ask you if you've changed the Vid card to rule that
out
peter

Well, things I have changed since I started this thread. I'm afraid now maybe

it might be my monitor but I am hoping others could give me some input before I
make my next step. I have now noticed that every now and then a "high pitched"
noise will come from the back of the monitor. It doesn't last very long and it
isn't consistent but it was not always like that. Would this be a definite sign
that it is the monitor instead of the video card. If so, I want to be able to
tell my tech support what I think it is so we can proceed accordingly.
Sometimes I feel I know more than the tech help, present company excluded OF
COURSE! I am just trying to handle this problem with as little hassle as
possible.

 

[Interrogative]

Well, things I have changed since I started this thread. I'm afraid now

maybe it might be my monitor but I am hoping others could give me some input
before I make my next step. I have now noticed that every now and then a
"high pitched" noise will come from the back of the monitor. It doesn't
last very long and it isn't consistent but it was not always like that.
Would this be a definite sign that it is the monitor instead of the video
card. If so, I want to be able to tell my tech support what I think it is
so we can proceed accordingly. Sometimes I feel I know more than the tech
help, present company excluded OF COURSE! I am just trying to handle this
problem with as little hassle as possible.

Please believe me, I appreciate all this help.

Never had a monitor die (and replaced one only yesterday) that didn't high
pitch whine at some time. Sometimes the whine stops but the monitor still is
bad or strange.

If you have a friend or neighbour with a monitor, get it into your place and
attach it to check it out.

CRT monitors are dead cheap nowadays, too, in case that helps.