Installed New Vid Card & Having Issues

[Raptor]

Raptor, I have been able to boot in safe mode, which should tell me the hard drive is fine, right?

No, that merely tells you that whatever files are needed to boot Windows into safe mode are parked on sectors that are healthy.

Do as Patio suggests or fetch a Ubuntu live CD. Disk management can tell you the S.M.A.R.T read-out.
You should also use Memtest86 to test your RAM.


What are the temperatures at the time of the crash?
Is the blue screen the same every time?

[mwt808]

Patio, I booted up in safe mode w networking and nor I don't have access to the internet.  I did the other day when I booted the same way. What can I do to rectify this?

[mwt808]

Please disregard the post about internet access. I do have internet. Apologies.

[mwt808]

Test results. Hopefully this was the test you meant.


 
Test Option: EXTENDED TEST
Model Number: WDC WD400BB-75JHC0
Unit Serial Number: WD-WMAMC7457367
Firmware Number: 06.01C06
Capacity: 40.00 GB
SMART Status: PASS
Test Result: PASS
Test Time: 16:55:21, January 24, 2012

[patio]

OK that eliminares one of the culprits...the HDD is fine.
How old is this PC and what make and wattage is the PSU ? ?

[mwt808]

Patio, the PC is roughly 6 yrs old and the PSU is Antec at 480w.

[patio]

If it's possible see if you can borrow one of the same or greater wattage overnite...
That'll eliminate another suspect.

[mwt808]

Patio, unfortunately I don't have access to another PSU. The current PSU was put in less than a year ago.

[Raptor]

Memtest?

[mwt808]

Raptor, how would I go about performing such a test? A google search showed a bevy of sites, which one is trustworthy?

[Raptor]

Raptor, how would I go about performing such a test? A google search showed a bevy of sites, which one is trustworthy?

http://www.memtest86.com/ should do.

[mwt808]

Raptor, I d/l MagicISO to run the memtest file and I cant get it to run. What am I missing here?

[Raptor]

Raptor, I d/l MagicISO to run the memtest file and I cant get it to run. What am I missing here?

You need to burn it onto a CD and boot from it. It'll take up to 30 minutes to test your system.

[Techo]

Hi mwt808
is it possible you installed the Video card without turning the power off at the back of the powersupply or before waiting for the 5v standby voltage to discharge. In either of these 2 cases it is possible you rest the cmos and would explain the errors you are getting. I( would suggest the following.

1. check the cmos settings if not sure, Load cmos defaults, and check the computers date and time

2. In safe mode set the video drivers in control panel, hardware , video to standard VGA.

3 Then see if the computer starts in standard mode if so load the CD that came with the card


 

Lisa
 

[Raptor]

5v standby voltage to discharge.

Are you the same "Girls can do anything" poster? I forgot her name but judging from the advice you're handing out, it's you.