Random Monitor Out of Sync Messages

[fsman]

I have a system running Vista Ultimate and at random the screen goes blank
and then comes up with the message out of sync. After about 15 - 30 seconds
it goes blank. My system is as follows:

Nvidia 8800 GTS
4 GB RAM
Intel Dual 2 Duo Processor 3.0
500 GB RAM

This used to happen just when I was playing Flight Simulator X and now it
happens at random whenever I play any media. I have rolled back my drivers on
my video card to the first one that I could and even the generic ones from
Microosft and nothing changes.

I have even made sure that Vista does not change the refresh rate on my
monitor. Does any have any suggestions of what could possibly be going wrong?

Thanks.

 

[fsman]

Update that is out of range message and the resolution is native. I am
tempted to go back to XP if this problem is not resolved because it is
starting to get so annoying.

 

[Malke]

Update that is out of range message and the resolution is native. I am
tempted to go back to XP if this problem is not resolved because it is
starting to get so annoying.

Since you've already changed drivers, the problem may lie in your video card
or your monitor physically failing. Most random failures such as you
describe are caused by bad hardware, not software. Things you can do to
narrow down the troubleshooting:

1. Check the connection between your monitor and your video card. If
possible, try a different cable. Look at the pins carefully on the monitor
side and make sure none are bent.

2. Attach the computer to a different monitor and run for an extended
period. If all is well, replace the original monitor. If the problem
continues, focus on the video card.

3. Uninstall the card and swap it out for a known-working card. If all is
well, replace the original video card.

If your computer is an OEM one under warranty, just get the card replaced by
the mftr.

Malke