Monitor blink/freeze, system freezes when running Windows

[Guest]

Dell PC-Windows XP home. Major screen blinking and freezing except when in
safe mode or when performing diagnostic tests. All tests show no problems. Is
it my XP? Is there a way to know? Could it be Video card? NVidia GEForce
5200, computer shows it is working properly? Is there a way to be sure? Got
this message today (one of a few different ones) windows was shut down to
prevent damage to your computer...etc..then said the file was
nv4_disp and a device driver got stuck in an infinite loop.
The PC is 2 years old, I don't think Dell will help me.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Paul Smith]

Dell PC-Windows XP home. Major screen blinking and freezing except when in
safe mode or when performing diagnostic tests. All tests show no problems.
Is
it my XP? Is there a way to know? Could it be Video card? NVidia GEForce
5200, computer shows it is working properly? Is there a way to be sure?
Got
this message today (one of a few different ones) windows was shut down to
prevent damage to your computer...etc..then said the file was
nv4_disp and a device driver got stuck in an infinite loop.
The PC is 2 years old, I don't think Dell will help me.
Thanks for your help!

Hello, you're right in thinking about the graphics card the nv4_disp bit
points to that. The dianostics in the actual Device Manager are a lot more
simple, and won't find any major problems other than the driver failing to
load.

I'd try downloading the latest drivers for your graphics card from
www.nvidia.com ( these are currently the latest:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_81.98.html ) -however- depending on
the machine itself they may not install, so you may need to go to the Dell
website and download the video drivers for your machine from there.

If you need any more help with anything post back.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/

*Remove 'nospam.' to reply by e-mail*

 

[phillip maurice nelson]

if you installed a new video card that is not
compatable with the systems EULA agreement & factory
settings there maybe a small possibility.

 

[Malke]

if you installed a new video card that is not
compatable with the systems EULA agreement & factory
settings there maybe a small possibility.

Please quote some of the thread for clarity. I've never heard of
anything happening like you describe above. As Mr. Smith said, the OP
needs to first update his video card drivers and if that doesn't work,
swap it out for a known-working card.

Malke