📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a Dell Dimension E521 experiencing display issues, including colored lines and a black screen after Windows loads, despite others being able to see the logo and boot screen. The original poster suspects a graphics card problem, potentially related to both onboard and add-in graphics hardware, and seeks advice on troubleshooting steps like entering BIOS, changing default display settings, and testing or replacing the graphics card. The overall sentiment indicates ongoing attempts to diagnose and resolve the issue, with suggestions focusing on switching between onboard and PCI graphics, updating drivers, and checking BIOS configurations.
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soupnazi

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Thread Author #1
hi, need some help here.

Issue with a Dell desktop running Vista home premium

Initially the issue was coloured lines on screen. Windows would still boot and could use computer.

From searching some info I figured it was probably a graphics card issue.
Then it progressed to colored lines when booting and then black screen with cursor only after windows logo is loading.
Currently, colored lines are no longer appearing on booting but still have black screen with cursor.

I tried safe mode and and can get to boot menu but still goes to black screen even in safe mode.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 

Solution
kemical
Pop the upgrade disk into your machine, change the boot order to CD/DVD first and then boot from the disk. Go through the screens as if you were going to install but when reaching the install page look near the bottom and you'll see a repair option. Hopefully it will get you back into the machine.
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soupnazi

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Thread Author #21
Could be worse I suppose. Thanks for the help.

This was a GeForce 7300 le
Any suggestions on an upgrade?
 

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soupnazi

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Thread Author #23
I bought a GeForce 210 card. seemed liked a good option to get my pc going again.

So, I plugged it in and got a black screen with only the cursor.
 
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soupnazi

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Thread Author #25
When I bought the computer it came with XP and a Vista upgrade disk. It said it's an upgrade disk "only". Didn't try it yet to see if there is a repair option on it. I did find a Dell diagnostics disc. I ran it through a full test.

I got an error code that says a block has uncorrectable data or media is protected. Not sure if that has anything to with my current problem? It says the code and msg. can be used by dell to diagnose the problem.
 
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kemical

kemical

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#26
Pop the upgrade disk into your machine, change the boot order to CD/DVD first and then boot from the disk. Go through the screens as if you were going to install but when reaching the install page look near the bottom and you'll see a repair option. Hopefully it will get you back into the machine.
 

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