Win XP Display Issue

[Scott]

My 6-year old Win XP Pro desktop has always been very stable. Lately, I have an
intermittent problem. The desktop looks fine, but when I open any program, the
display changes to what looks like a lower resolution. I can no longer see the
bottom of the screen, and the whole display is fuzzy and moves around. There are
lots of horizontal lines moving up and down.

When I shut the computer down and reboot, everything works fine.

Does this sound like a video card or other hardware issue?

Where should I start?

Thanks!
Scott

 

[Andrew E.]

If all video software is up to date,& Direct X is also,then the video card
would
be the place to start.Heat is ususlly the problem or the cards plug in
tabs.The
tabs can be cleaned with a #2 pencil eraser,you'll see the diffrence if it
hasnt
been done.Clean only to "as needed",overcleaning removes the electric contact
metal (gold),& cannot be replaced..And/or,purchase a new card,6 yrs old is
obsolete,most mfg dont even have driver updates anymore for them..