Graphics problem? Windows problem?

[gofes]

Hello.

My Dad's computer, a Dell something or other running Vista, has the display problems as shown bellow.





And once you get into windows the maximum resolution it is allowing is 640 x 480.

It was doing the same thing 2 weeks ago, but only once it got to windows, so I reinstalled that and everything was OK for about 2 weeks. (mind you that is only a couple of hours use)

As the weird graphics are occurring right at boot up I'm guessing it isn't a windows issue? Do I need to replace the graphics card? Any other suggestions?

[blueball]

Check the ribbon from the screen to the motherboard hasn't come loose.

If that's not it then I "think" you might need a new GPU

Looking at pictures above you seem to have tried it on an external display so i guess its not the laptop screen

[gofes]

I should of mentioned it's a desktop. I've taken the side off and given the GPU a little push, but it seems to have good connections.

Cheers

[smargh]

Either overheating, perhaps a failed fan or dust-caked HSF, bad caps on GPU, or dodgy PSU.