I'm not clear on what you mean by XP 5.1. Do you mean Windows XP Home
addition, as in the operating system? When you say Dell Hard Drive,
do you mean a Dell computer? (Technically, a hard drive is only one
small component within a computer. A hard drive is the secondary
(permanent) storage media built into the computer) Is this a laptop
or desktop?
I'm going to assume that you bought a desktop computer that you're
calling a hard drive. You're running Windows XP and using a separate
CRT Monitor (as opposed to an LCD)
That being the case, it sounds like your biggest problem is your video
card. The symptoms you describe sound like your video card is not
performing well. Here's what to do:
1) Identify the video card you have by looking in the manual, the
description on the box, calling tech support, or looking at the chip
inside.
2) Ensure you have the latest software drivers and firmware updates
installed for your video card/chipset. My guess is that the video
card is probably built into your motherboard and likewise you got the
system on the cheap because of it. You can get the video drivers from
Dell's website or the manufacturer of the video card chip.
3) Adjust the video settings from within the proprietary software
interface from your video card manufacturer. Start by setting the
video settings to something low and reasonable like 800x600 resolution
at 16-bit color and test. If you cant get the computer to perform at
low, there's no need to try high.
4) That should take care of your trailing and artifact problems,
mainly just having the right driver installed is what does it. That
allows the card to perform the way it was intended. If it doesn't
then you're card is underpowered and you need to install a better
card. I'm doubting that's the case because Dell would have engineered
the card to perform decent with moderate use. If it happens to be the
case, I suggest a Radeon 9600XT or better.
5) If the trailing problem is fixed, you need to move on to the blur
problem. Sometimes there are settings within the proprietary software
interface to control sharpness and that may be all that needs to be
adjusted. If you have a CRT Monitor there is a possibility that your
monitor sharpness adjustment is out of whack. That's more
complicated. You have to take apart the monitor for that.
Because of the danger of severe electric shock/death this type of
maintenance is best performed by qualified technicians. They know how
to open up the back of the monitor while its running and adjust the
sharpness screw with a plastic screwdriver. |
