Troubleshooting Audio and Graphics Issues on Your Computer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting audio and graphics issues on a computer, specifically focusing on symptoms such as static sound output and distorted visual elements. Participants explore potential causes and solutions, including hardware and software considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes experiencing static alongside sound output and visual distortions in icons and images, seeking advice on potential causes and fixes.
  • Another participant suggests that the issues could stem from bad RAM or a malfunctioning DMA controller, recommending memory diagnostics.
  • A question is raised about the availability of diagnostic tools in Windows XP, with a participant noting that some applications display images correctly while others do not.
  • It is noted that most .wav files play normally, but some exhibit static, indicating inconsistency in audio performance.
  • Suggestions include using the Restore feature in Windows XP and formatting the system as potential solutions, with one participant expressing skepticism about whether the problem is hardware-related.
  • Concerns are shared about the lack of a real Windows CD provided with new computers, with one participant advocating for downloading a copy instead.
  • A participant discusses the contents of a mysterious D drive, speculating that it may contain necessary files for reformatting or reinstalling Windows, but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed.
  • Another participant advises backing up files from the D drive before attempting any reinstallation, highlighting the importance of preserving data.
  • Discussion includes the challenge of obtaining support from the computer manufacturer, with a suggestion to contact tech support for assistance.
  • Further inquiries are made about the sound card in use and whether drivers have been updated, indicating ongoing troubleshooting efforts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the potential causes of the issues, with some suggesting hardware problems while others propose software solutions. No consensus is reached regarding the root cause or the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various diagnostic tools and methods, but there is uncertainty about their availability and effectiveness. The discussion also reflects limitations in knowledge about the specific hardware and software configurations involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals experiencing similar audio and graphics issues on their computers, as well as those interested in troubleshooting techniques and potential solutions for Windows XP systems.

Hurkyl
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One day, when I got home, my computer started developing these symptoms:

Whenever any sound is sent to the speakers, a layer of static is also sent.

Icons and images (particularly the mouse cursor and system tray icons) are being distorted with an assortment of cyan and magenta pixels (mostly cyan). While I can't discern a pattern to the pixels, they certainly don't appear like they're totally random.

Any idea what could be causing this and how to fix it?
 
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Originally posted by Hurkyl
Any idea what could be causing this and how to fix it?
Sounds like either bad RAM or a bad DMA controller.

Try running some memory diagnostics on it.

- Warren
 
Does WinXP come with such a tool, or will I have to DL one?


Another interesting thing I've discovered; Opera displays all images fine (even ones to which I've zoomed), but windows picture viewer messes up the image (with white and dark cyan dots, clustered into lines) when I zoom in.
 
Also, most window .wav files are playing normally, only some are staticy.
 
You might consider using the Restore feature that comes bundled with winXP.
 
Try formatting. It always seems to fix window's problems.

Most likely though it is a hardware problem, either with memory or some motherboard issue.
 
Originally posted by dduardo
Try formatting. It always seems to fix window's problems.

Good one, dduardo
 
In any case, it's probably not hardware?
 
If it isn't a hardware problem, there is always time to switch


<---------------
 
  • #10
Ok, some joyous problems:

(a) I was doing something (which I don't remember what it was) that required me to turn off system restore... I forgot to turn it back on. :frown:

(b) When I bought my computer from CompUSA, it had the WinXP installer already on the harddrive, and I did not get a Windows CD.


I've been wanting to reformat for a while now, but I've been too lazy to contact CompUSA to get a CD or instructions on what I'd need to do...

Oh, and I can't switch over to Linux because I am (or at least used to be) an avid game player, so nyah!
 
  • #11
I really hate how computer manufactures aren't giving a real windows cd anymore with new systems. Crappy good for nothing restore disks. Arrgh

Hurkyl, here is a tip, do what I do, download a copy.
 
  • #12
Well, I'm poking around on the mysterious D drive where Windows keeps it's restore stuff and other information, and there's a directory called "PRELOAD", and it has some files named "CDx" where x is a number from 0 to 4, and it has a lot of .INP files and some other miscillaneous stuff...

So I would surmise the stuff I need to reformat / reinstall windows is here, I just don't know how to do it; I haven't found any suggestive .exe or .bat files on this drive yet. :frown:
 
  • #13
Hurkyl,

On the chance (& it sounds like a fairly good chance) that those CDx files contain everything that came preloaded on your C drive, you should try to burn copies of them onto CDs before you do anything else. Better yet, if that computer is on a LAN, copy them to another computer first, & then put them on CDs.
 
  • #14
Well, the cdx files are small (106 bytes) and just contain a directory name: c:\Master\BOOTDIST\BOOT-XP\PRELOAD\Cx\PRELOAD\Cx

Given the arrangement of the files, these appear to be indexing information...

But the rest of the directory is 2 GB of what appears to be archives (datax.inp, base_x.inp)... whatever I do I'll backup this directory first.
 
  • #15
Beyond that, unless you have a manual, or find someone who's familiar with CompUSA sytems, you'll probably have to call or write their tech support for help.

I haven't seen anything on an HP or Dell system like what you're describing.
 
  • #16
Originally posted by Hurkyl
One day, when I got home, my computer started developing these symptoms:

Whenever any sound is sent to the speakers, a layer of static is also sent.

Icons and images (particularly the mouse cursor and system tray icons) are being distorted with an assortment of cyan and magenta pixels (mostly cyan). While I can't discern a pattern to the pixels, they certainly don't appear like they're totally random.

Any idea what could be causing this and how to fix it?

Can you hear any sound at all? or does the static just completely takes control?

What kind of sound card are you using? have you tried updating the drivers?
 

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