On 16 Dec 2005 00:47:13 -0800, grubertm@gmail.com wrote:

> My P4 system has been running great with SP1, hardly any crashes. After
> installing SP2, however, I frequently get a blank screen while or after
> playing a video or playing a DirectX game. The system keeps on running
> (i.e. I hear sound) but there is no video output. If I hibernate and
> then restart the machine during this blackout the graphics will come
> back but all acceleration is disabled (i.e. screen refreshes are slow).
>
> All current Windows Updates are installed. I have downloaded the latest
> Catalyst driver and installed it after installing SP2. The card is
> running at 8x AGP, have not tried slowing it down yet.
>
> Any recommendations other than uninstalling SP2 again ?

I've used only ATI cards since XP was released - currently running X700
AGP. Overall, I've been quite happy with them. Based on what I've seen with
these adapters, I believe that what you're seeing is an ATI driver issue.
It does not happen often but appears once in a while with certain driver
releases.

ATI usually is pretty keen on replacing versions with poor performance
quickly so would keep an eye out for a newer version. Meanwhile, you could
revert to an older driver version that did not exhibit the problem.

Another thing to try/check is re-seating the card and making sure that
monitor connections are snug.

NOTE: I usually skip the Catalyst Control Panel and install the driver/ATI
control panel package instead. Catalyst is nice looking and offers some
useful settings but since seems to be prone to errors (on my pc anyhow), so
I pass on it.


--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User