BRIBY wrote:

>
> Hi
>
> My computer screen has an intermittent rippling effect. Sometimes
> it's very slight other times very pronounced can anyone tell me what
> could be
> happening? Here is my system info:

(snippage of unnecessary info)

> OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
> Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
> System Manufacturer VIA
> System Model K7VT2
> Processor x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 1 AuthenticAMD ~1532 Mhz
> BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. P1.20, 10/12/2002
> Total Physical Memory 768.00 MB

You gave us quite a lot of information but left out 1) your video card ;
and 2) what changed between the time things worked and the time they
didn't.

I assume this is a desktop. It could be that your video card or monitor
is failing, or your video card could be overheating. Or you could just
need to update your drivers. So here are a few t-shooting steps to
take. Make one change at a time, testing after each change.

1. Update your video card drivers. Get the drivers from:
a. The card mftr.'s website; OR
b. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
c. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
drivers.

2. If that doesn't help, open the computer and with it off and
unplugged, clean out any dust bunnies. Use compressed air to clean the
fans. Now run the computer open, observing all fans - particularly the
one on the video card if it has one. If you see a fan performing less
than perfectly, replace it.

3. If cleaning doesn't help and/or you can't see a fan failing, then
attach the computer to a different monitor. If the problem disappears,
then you know your original monitor is on its way out and will need to
be replaced.

4. If the problem persists with a different monitor, swap out the video
card for a known-working one. If the problem goes away, then replace
the video card.

Of course, there could be other causes but you can start here.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User