Windows Degeneration

A couple of weeks ago the electricity went out for all of two seconds. My computer automatically comes back on when this happens. I have Windows 98, but now it runs like Windows 3.1. Same washed out colors, internet screens have missing parts, and the open windows are too large for my screen and there is no way to see all of the screen. I tried reloading the software hoping that would repair any damaged files, but it didn't. Now I am wondering if it might be a burned curcuit or some other damaged hardware. Any ideas?

P

 

Have you checked in your "Device Manager" to make sure the "display adapter" and "monitor" are the correct ones for your computer and not windows generic? Make sure these devices have no problem ticks.
To do so:
Right click on the desktop icon for "My Computer" and select "properties ".

Have you checked your display settings to make sure your settings are set to your desired resolution, color, and refresh rate?
To do so:
right click blank area of desktop and select "properties ".
On the Settings tab press the Advanced button.

 

Hi PDaret,

I had a similar electricity failure. Afterwards I ran a "thorough" scandisk and found that some sectors were bad on my harddrive (I fear the heads may have dropped onto the disk platters). That was at least two years ago, and although Scandisk has found a few more bad sectors since, it is still going well.
Try doing a thorough Scandisk and I suggest you do it in Safe Mode.

After that you should probably remove and reinstall the video adapter drivers. The section of your drive that contains those files may be damaged.


Matt

 

I think your video card got fried, but suggest move to Hardware Forum and
see what the gurus there think.
regards

 

Thanks Ann and Matt,

I have tried all your suggestions and everything is as it should be. No bad sectors and the monitor and display setting are as they should be. I will send this to the hardware guys, Merlin, and see if they concur. I'll let you know what happens.