Comp wrecked ~ Dos Text and Screen is covered with " ( "

[roland52]

hey all~ my first post, sucks it has to be about a problem.

as in the title, my screen on boot-up is showing " ( " character over the dos text, even on the safe mode screen.
[ex. "R(n Safe M(de?"]

Windows will not start. Any help would be appreciated greatly for I have never seen this problem before. thx 

[BC_Programmer]

Sounds like a problem with the video card. Try reseating the card. Also ensure the connection to the monitor is secure. Failing that, you might need a new video card.

[roland52]

thank you! i have switched cards and the wacky text is gone. however, windows will not display itself after the xp screen. is this another problem or a trip to a forum describing how to change my video settings before windows loads? thxthx

[BC_Programmer]

Well, actually, you fixed your problem, but Windows is still loading the drivers for your old graphics card; and then it crashes since it's not there anymore.

What you should do is start in safe mode. Then you can install the drivers for your new card, and upon reboot you should be good to go.