lines on screen

have you run the monitor self test or tried it on another system? It could be the monitor or the video card.

Try booting the system into Safe Mode and see how the display looks.

Thanks for your reply,

I have tried the monitor on another computer and it works fine, I am about to see if the graphics card as worked loose, is there any thing else I need to check? while I have the case open.

the cards fine, took it out and reinserted.In Device Manager I have two entries for the card 1)256MB DDR ATI Radion 9800 XT, 2)256MB DDR ATI Radion 9800 XT sec, is this ok and if not what do I do about it? do I need to buy a new card?

regards

Yes the two listings in device manager is exactly what you should be seeing as the card is dual output therefore one listing for each output.

If your still experiencing the issue im not sure how you can say the card is fine. Just because it apperes in device manager and looks ok doe not mean that all is well.

The next step is to try running the dell diagnostics on the video card. Tap the F12 key at the big dell splash screen to enter into the diagnostics run the video tests and see how those play out.

After that an update or reinstall of the vidoe drives is the next step.

Also depending on how long you have had this card it could still be under some type of warranty.

Get a new card. If after updating the drive you still do not have a good screen display and you are getting errors then the card is going.

I have updated the driverfrom ATI this improved the display in so much instead of having very heavy banded lines the screen isnow  covered with small coloured crosses!

On running the diagnostics for the video I got the following, failure while writing to video memory,

Error code; 5300:0119, under this code, 2 items.

Error code; 2C00:021C, under this code, 1item.

Erro code; 5300:031E, under this code, 2 items.

Error code; 2C00:031B, under this code 1 item.

thanks.

Thanks for your help, have you any tips or procedures that may help in replacing the card, such as taking out existing drivers etc before installing the new card, it's been a long time since I opening the case up and I am becoming forgetful.

This is the best way

Get the new card. once you get the new card, go to the vendors web site and download the latest drivers for that card. Place that file onto the desktop

Pick up a copy of DriverSweeper. Download and install the program BUT DO NOT RUN IT.

Go to control panel add/remove and remove your current cards drivers. Shut down the computer

Replace the cards. Boot into Safe Mode. Press the F8 key as the bid Dell splash Screen. Once into Safe mode. Run the Driversweeper for your old card. For example if you old card was an ATI card you click on the ATI box then the scan button I think it is and then the clean button. Once you have run driversweeper boot into regulat mode and install the new cards drivers that you placed on the desktop.

Cannot find the same card or a simular one that I would recognise, would you be kind enough to suggest one?

many thanks