Periodic computer crashes cause display to reset to default - Hardware & Software

Alright so my computer is mid range (ish) and sometimes it crashes. No biggee, until when it turns on and is at the lowest possible resolution, with the least possible colors. ATI's CCC thing pops up saying the driver isn't recognized after a bit, and I've had plenty of ATI related problems in games with the 3d - 2d transfer crashes, excluding source games. I can fix this temporarily by system restoring, but I'd really like to solve it. I have googled and searched to no avail. Please help. [b]My habits:[/b] Internet browsing (facepunch, youtube, google, gmail, simple stuff) and various games on my computer, namely steam games (see my icon for the list), plus minecraft, GTA SA, a PS2 emulator with FFX, and listening to music via ipod + itunes. [b]I have been:[/b] Defragging, disk cleanup-ing, ccleaning, updating drivers, scanning (for viruses, with an updated AVG full edition) regularly, but not obsessively. [b]I have not been:[/b] Randomly deleting shit, editing my registry (other than CCleaner rarely), downloading porn, going to harmful/obscure websites, randomly installing shit. Here's some specs. Ask for more if you need them. Please don't recommend upgrading unless it's a necessity. [code][i]General info[/i] OS Name - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version - 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600 System Manufacturer - MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD System Type - X86-based PC Processor - x86 Family 15 Model 127 Stepping 1 AuthenticAMD ~2399 Mhz BIOS Version/Date - Phoenix Technologies, LTD V1.6, 10/23/2007 Total Physical Memory - 2,048.00 MB Available Physical Memory - 1.17 GB Total Virtual Memory - 2.00 GB Available Virtual Memory - 1.96 GB Page File Space - 3.85 GB Main (and only) Drive - D: File System - NTFS Size - 111.78 GB (120,023,252,992 bytes) Free Space - 39.56 GB (42,473,967,616 bytes) CD/DVD drive is non functional. Not been a problem. [i]Graphics info[/i] Name - Radeon X1650 Series Adapter RAM - 512.00 MB (536,870,912 bytes) Installed Drivers - ati2dvag.dll Driver Version - 6.14.10.6925 Resolution - 1024 x 768 x 85 hertz Name - Radeon X1650 Series Secondary Adapter RAM - 512.00 MB (536,870,912 bytes) Driver Version - 6.14.10.6925 Installed Drivers - ati2dvag.dll [/code]

That card is a pretty old one so it wouldn't be a surprise if it has started to show signs of dying. Have you checked the GPU temperatures?

They feel around normal. It's giving off heat, but it's gone a semi clean fan near it and the room is air conditioned at 74 degrees. ATI's CCC says 71 degrees celsius.

[QUOTE=TheStabbyBunny;23557736]They feel around normal. It's giving off heat, but it's gone a semi clean fan near it and the room is air conditioned at 74 degrees. ATI's CCC says 71 degrees celsius.[/QUOTE] 71 for such an old card is pretty harsh. I remember when I had my Radeon 9800 it restarted my computer when it hit 60.

Oh ok, I'll clean out the fan as best I can and see if that helps. It lost a few degrees, maybe I should do that more often. :v: