Graphic problems??

Hello everyone!

I'm not sure if I'm in the correct category for posting this issue (my computer illiteracy showing here ) So please direct me elsewhere if needed.

My son says he is having "issues" with his computer (graphics). I'm not sure if it's actually the graphic card or something he has set on his computer so as not to be able to view them? (If that's even possible??) He's not much more computer savvy than I am, so not sure if he could have figured out how to do that!

He states that when he (& his girlfriend) use their computer to visit "myspace" the background graphics won't show? (They are both in their 20's and communicate with many of their friends through there). I'm not sure about what they are able to see when accessing any other websites with graphic backgrounds, etc. as this is the one they use the most and has them totally frustrated.

He had mentioned one time that even the animated screen saver like I use (fantastic fish) doesn't work properly.

His computer is WinXP Home, IE7 and the graphics card(?) is an Intell 82865G Graphics controller(?)

If anyone could please tell me what I can do/check to help him with this, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Here are the drivers for that graphics chip:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=1044&lang=eng

FIRST THOUGH, I would get any updates for the chipset drivers.

Be careful that those are the correct drivers for the graphics. Windows will identify controller chips to the best of it's ability. Those may not be the actual drivers for the hardware.

If you have the manual that came with the computer (or graphics card, but I don't know that Intel make any separate graphics add-in cards), the chipset and graphics details will be listed in the specifications.

If it is a branded computer like a Dell, HP, Compaq, etc, you will need to find the drivers at the manufacturer's website.

Matt

 

Thank you mattman for you assistance by providing that link. I did check on it but haven't downloaded anything yet. When reading through the description(s) of the two offered there, I had several questions about them:

(1)Installs drivers for the integrated graphics controller of Intel® chipsets. This is not to be used if the system has a third party graphics card. < How do I know if there is a 3rd party graphics card??

(2)Installs drivers for the integrated graphics controller of Intel® chipsets. This file is intended for use by Developers. > I don't believe I would fall under this category.

You also mentioned getting updates for the "chipset" drivers. I have to admit, I haven't a clue as to what that pertains to?

This computer was built for my son by his uncle (my brother-in-law) so not a branded computer? There weren't any manuals for the computer or graphics card (he only sent the WinXP disk). I haven't tried contacting him yet, thought I'd try here first in hopes that this might be something I could remedy myself.

Think I might have to give him a call!

Thanks for your help though!
Vicki

 

That's OK Vicki.

Intel is quite good to navigate using the search facility (uh-um, except when it sends you in circles).

Here are the methods to identify the chipset:
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/CS-009245.htm
If it an Intel motherboard and not an OEM motherboard, you should just need to use the utility in the first section.

When you have the model of the chipset, go to the chipset section of Downloads:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/default.aspx
[See the list in the left-hand panel]
Here is the Windows XP listing, chipset only. I expect yours will be number 4 "INF Update Utility - Primarily for Intel® 800 Series Chipsets (1541KB) "

Yes, avoid the "developer" listings.

The chipset model should tie in with the graphics chip model. If you look up the chipset model downloads, it should include the related graphics downloads as well. This is where you should check

Third party graphics will be in one of the "slots" at the back of the computer. Integrated graphics will where the monitor connects near the mouse, keyboard, USB and other general connections (it is part of the motherboard, not an add-in card).

Getting those drivers and becoming familiar with the computer/motherboard manufacturer's website may not be the total (?) answer to the problem you/he are facing, BUT, I guarantee it will be invaluable as a source of reference for future problems. Drivers seem like the problem from your description and I have seen Intel motherboards start working beautifully when they have been installed. Drivers would be my first thing to investigate, if those are "good ", you will not be banging your head until you find out that they are the cause (other possible problems may be avoided as well).

Other areas I might investigate from your description are:
1) Resources. Specifically, the amount of RAM in the computer will be important because the graphics and the running programs and services will depend on having enough free RAM. You can probably notice this by the computer slowing down at times unexpectedly or when several programs are opened at once. That type of graphics will share RAM with the main system
2) A clean hard drive. Things like removing old internet files, making space for new files, disk defragmentation. (See Help and Support or www.helpwithwindows.com)
3) Possibly malware or some other program that is tying up the system resources.

 

It's fixed!

Thank you for your help with trying to assist me with this minor annoyance! I did take the computer to my brother-in-law and he spent several hours on it as well, with no resolve!

He had suggested that we back-up everything we wanted to save and then do a complete reformat/reinstall. I really didn't want to do that--only as a last resort. So when I got home, I decided to surf the net "one more time" and would you believe.....I found what caused the problem!!!

Here is the fix:

Open Control Panel
Open Acessibility Options (at top)
Click the Display TAB
Uncheck the box, "Use High Contrast"

Don't know how or why that setting was changed (my son didn't remember doing it) but at least all is well for now! I'm sooo happy! (And so is he!)

Thanks again for trying to help!
Vicki

 

Very interesting. I'm glad you found it

Matt