Video card driver issue?

I have an older XP machine which used to be used for trading, but is now my secondary box and is just used for charts, internet etc.

I am running 2 19" Dell monitors, and when I boot the machine, both monitors show the startup screen, processor info, etc. So, at first, both monitors are recognized as if everything is normal. But then, the power light on the right monitor goes yellow. And when I bring up the Graphics properties info, it tells me to connect another monitor in order to access the dual monitor settings.

Btw, this started right after I rearranged things and the box was moved across the room. Not sure it matters, though.

 

In the Windows display settings dialog, do you see an image of a single monitor or is there a second greyed-out image alongside it?

 

Greyed out.

 

..

 

.

 

It also takes forever for this thing to boot up lately. Ever since I moved it, the hard drive seriously works for 10 minutes after start up before settling down. I wonder if chickiepoo spilled beer on it when she was helping me move stuff that day. Wouldn't surprise me.

I know i should just get a new box, but this thing has been through thick and thin with me. There is some nostalgia there, i guess.

 

Are you using an onboard video chip? Could be part of its function has crapped out. Happens.

If so, suggest getting cheap dedicated video card off of eBay to run 2 monitors.

If your rig is taking a long time to do something, usually means it's having trouble with software. Do you have a backup image? Fresh OS install?

 

It's a built from scratch machine from years ago with a dedicated card. I may just have to reinstall windows.

 

That screencap looks like onboard video, suggesting the motherboard (and by extension, Windows) can't see the slotted graphics card.

Remove the video card it and reseat it, or place it in another expansion slot then reboot the machine and see what happens.

 

Also - you said it started when you moved the chassis. Most computer boxes are flimsy and the cards will flex relative to the mobo when moved.

Most likely it's a connection issue. Reseat the board and hit it again.