Dell XPS 400-Major problems restarting computer

[kpankulu]

For the past few weeks, I have had a serious problem with my desktop.

If I dare restart my computer, there are lots of colored dots in the middle of the screen when the "Dell" logo comes up. When the computer loads up, I am unable to bring up any application because my screen goes blank for three seconds and my screen shows up after the first "blackout" with icons and the wallpaper "scrambled" - I can move my mouse but do nothing else, and the three second or longer blackouts continue intermittently until I power down.

Sometimes, I am able to get the Task Manager between blackouts (very tough because when you click, the screen blacks out, and it takes three or four attempts between blackouts to click on restart or shut down.

Usually, it takes about 5-10 straight restart attempts before the blackout does not occur again, and I do not restart/shut down for days unless I am forced to when the computer freezes or there is a power surge.

Computer Specs:

Dell XPS 400/Windows XP Media Center
Intel Pentium D 915
1GB Dual Channel Memory; 160GB Hard Drive
Video Card: 256MB nVidia GeForce 7900 GS

Thanks in advance for any assistance! I am sorry my description is not the best - but I hope someone can make out what I am talking about!

 

[o1die]

Good chance your board is btx format for a btx case. Computer geeks has an Intel btx 915 board for only $15.95 plus shipping. You might have to reinstall windows, so you'll definately need a windows cd or dvd. If you have some skills, you can get a barebones atx setup instead and upgrade your cpu to a core2 duo or amd am2 to use with your ddr2 memory. You would have to move all the optical and hardrives over to the new case. I would also clean the power supply fan with a canned air product or simply replace it with a new one. I like antec, pc power and cooling, seasonic, enermax, and corsair. None are cheap. You get what you pay for.

 

[Shadow703793]

^True that. Also have you tried a different GPU?

Eitherway, depending on how much money you have, you can probably get a very good PC (reuse GPU,HDD,RAM) for ~$250-300 (case, PSU,etc)

 

[daship]

Faulty GPU or PSU, I bet the PSU is about to give.