Karim434 wrote:
My computer keeps experiencing what I think are called 'blue
screen' crashes. The screen does not turn blue; rather it freezes
and the graphics become heavily pixelated and distorted. I think it
also turns progressively black over an extended period of time.

It's an old Dell laptop running Windows XP Home Edition and when
the problem started I used to get a link (on restarting) to this
site:
http://wer.microsoft.com/responses/R...e5719c196#here

I do not get this link any more but I have no reason to doubt it is
still the same problem. I have tried the advice offered here but to
no avail.

I have also spoken to Dell and been taken through the diagnostic
tests for my computer, which failed to find any problems. According
to Dell this means there is nothing wrong with the video card;
rather Windows needs re-installing. I have also spoken to the video
card manufacturer who say that, based on the symptoms, there is a
problem with the video card and it's nothing to do with Windows.

Any suggestions for resolving the problem would be much
appreciated. I should also say that I used to connect the computer
to a TV from time to time to watch movies (involving changing some
of the display settings) which may have started the problem but I
don't do that any more.

Unfortunately - it does sound like the video card. If it is still under
Dell warranty - tell them to replace the motherboard. If it is not under
Dell warranty - given it is an "old Dell laptop", this is the likely
scenario - then you could try replacing the battery/running it without a
battery source but plugged into the wall - to see if that makes a difference
and if not - then it's probably a lost cause would cost more to repair than
replace with something that runs better, faster and is still under some
warranty.)

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html