What just happened?

[Dmitri]

Basically my computer froze while changing between tracks in iTunes (never happened before). After a quick reboot i noticed a lot of (by a lot i mean A LOT) artifacts all over the screen, like random ascii characters all over the screen. During booting i also noticed it says that a Pci device is missing (not 100% sure as its only for a split second and half of the line has random ascii's all over it). It then procedes to start up Windows but as soon as it gets to the log on screen the monitor turns off (as if the actual computer was shut off ie the little green lite on the monitor turns yellow)

Now i can howerver get in easily in Safe Mode.

Any ideas?

(I have cleaned the videocard for dust)

My specs are: XP3000+, Asus A7N8X M/B, Albatron 6800GT

 

[MrCoffee]

inspect the motherboard capacitors for leakage and reset the bios.

 

[Nitestick]

reseat the sound card and video card. i have seen artifacting like you describe in pc's with improperly seated cards

 

[Dmitri]

thanks for the suggestions guys, i have reset the bios and reseated the cards and still nothing. I just tried my mates videocard and it seemed to work so im guessing my videocard is probably dying

 

[Nitestick]

yeah i would say so. just to be sure test your card in his pc if he'll let you.