Member Avatar for crguy

Hello after xp boots up the desk top just blinks every few seconds. It will show the desk top for a few seconds then it just gives a blank screen then shows desktop for a second then blank screen? Any Ideas?

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Building on the thread from , and , here are practical, non-redundant steps to narrow the cause and protect data. The goal is to collect evidence (logs, diagnostics) so the fix targets the real fault rather than guessing.

Start by checking Windows event logs for Application and System errors that line up with the blink times — those entries usually name the failing module or service. If the logs point to a third-party DLL or shell hook, use a startup/shell‑extension tool to temporarily disable non-Microsoft entries and retest.

Also run on-disk and system-integrity checks: schedule chkdsk c: /f /r to run at boot and run sfc /scannow (the XP CD may be required). For memory problems use a bootable Memtest86+ USB/CD. If the laptop is too unstable to run tools from Windows, boot from rescue media (live Linux or vendor/AV rescue disk) to run diagnostics and copy important files off the drive.

Create a new local Windows user account and test there — that quickly determines whether the problem is profile-specific. If you suspect hardware, run the ThinkPad/IBM hardware tests or the drive manufacturer’s SMART/diagnostic utility and check BIOS updates from the vendor.

If offline scans or diagnostics find nothing and the logs are inconclusive, collect the exact Event Viewer error messages and timestamps before attempting a repair install or full reinstall. Always back up personal data first. When reporting findings, include the log error names and times; that information makes it much easier to identify a faulty module, driver, or component.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

sounds like a video problem ,did you try booting to safe mode and see what happens ,safe mode ='s hitting f8 on bootup chose safe mode

Member Avatar for crguy

Thanks, Yeah It still does the same thing in safe mode. This is and IBM thinkpad laptop so I don't think the video card can be replaced can it?

Member Avatar for caperjack

it may not be a video problem ,i was just guessing , some laptops have removable video chips ,most don't i think .
laptop get hot ,have you cleaned the heat sinc and fan lately ,we use a can of compressed air to keep them clean here .it really doesn't take much dust to make them actup ,

Member Avatar for crguy

Thanks do I have to take get to the motherboard to blow it off? I took off a couple panels but I can only see ram and the hard drive.

Member Avatar for crguy

Sorry about that I meant do I have to get to the motherboard to blow it off

Member Avatar for gerbil

Elaborate on "blank screen". Is it black, white, blue... ?

Member Avatar for crguy

It just shows the desk top wallpaper when it blanks out. When windows starts up you see the desk top icons for a second then it blanks out and you only see the wallpaper and then you see the icons for a second then wallpaper then icons for a second then wallpaper .....etc. Thanks

Member Avatar for gerbil

Okay, that is your explorer.exe [the GUI shell] stopping, restarting. You likely have some sort of infection. You can work without explorer, it's just tedious.
Start a browser by opening Task Manager and typing eg... firefox into the File > New task box. You can then use your browser as a GUI somewhat like explorer : simply type eg. C:\ into the address bar; you C: root folder will be displayed. You can start an application by dclicking it in this window, open a text file, whatever. If your programs are in E:\program files, type in E:\ into the address bar, then go down and dclick Program Files. And so on. So:
==Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
from: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html
or: http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe
=Dclick that file, mbam-setup.exe, to install the application,
***** Start it either by typing its pathname into the TM Run box. eg C:\mbam-setup.exe, or use your browser as I explained above.*****
-ensure that it is set to update and start, else start it via the icon, and UPDATE it.
Select "Perform QUICK Scan", then click Scan; the application will guide you through the remaining steps.
ENSURE that EVERYTHING found has a CHECKMARK against it, then click Remove Selected.
If malware has been found [and removed] MBAM will automatically produce a log for you when it completes... do not click the Save Logfile button.
Examine the log: if some files are listed as Delete on Reboot then restart your machine before continuing.
Copy and post that log [it is also saved under Logs tab in MBAM].

Edited by gerbil because: n/a
Member Avatar for crguy

Thanks But how do I start task manager when its blinking back and forth. It wont respond to anything. It wont let me click on the start button.

Member Avatar for crguy

By the way I need to say this is a great website, so much help here amazing site.

Thanks

Member Avatar for gerbil

I wandered off... I use Ctrl-Alt-Del. Also Ctrl-Shift_Esc.

Edited by gerbil because: n/a
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