Member Avatar for Treadiculous

Hi, and in advance, thank you!

I have an old PC which worked fine as a DVD player before I moved house.

I have now set it up and it is replacing the text with (at best) random characters.

I am able to get to the options for running:

Safe mode
(possibly another safe mode option - networking?)
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last known configurtaion

Start Normally

When I tried last known configuration it suggested I needed Kernel Debugging and possibly stated that a driver was missing.

I cannot be certain as the text is so corrupt it makes: 'safe mode' look like: 'Sq f mO4~'

This has meant I have been unable to use any of the start up menus for fear of changing an option unintentionally!

I have a numbewr of Dell Windows installation disks (though not sure if they'll work on the Compaq) and also an abunto disk - none of which have had any positive effect, though I do get different strings of random text depending on which disk I put in.

I have visited here:

...this seems to be the right thing, though I am wary of opening the .exe file on the machine I downloaded it on to as it is not the malfunctioning machine; I don't want the to run the .exe and find it has changed anything on my working pc!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Dani AI

Generated

A concise diagnostic and prevention checklist follows, based on the brief exchange between and .

  • Power down and unplug the PC before opening the case; discharge static by touching an earthed metal part or using an anti‑static wrist strap.
  • Visually inspect for loose modules, bent socket pins, or dust. Use a can of compressed air to clear debris; avoid breathing on contacts or using household vacuums.
  • Reseat memory modules: remove modules, gently clean contacts if visibly tarnished (isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth), then press them firmly back into their slots. Boot with one module in the primary slot to isolate a bad stick or slot.
  • Run a dedicated bootable memory tester such as MemTest86 (https://www.memtest86.com/) and allow multiple full passes; intermittent errors often only appear after extended runs.
  • If memory checks are clean, isolate the video path: reseat the graphics card, try the onboard GPU or a different cable/monitor, and test with minimal hardware connected.
  • Only consider BIOS/firmware updates after hardware symptoms are resolved; always use official vendor packages and follow the vendor’s flashing instructions exactly.

Early boot screens render text with small lookup tables and low‑level routines that depend on reliable memory and a stable video path, so either memory faults or video problems can produce scrambled characters. During moves, secure internal components and pack the system upright to reduce shock that can loosen sockets.

Avoid running unknown executables on a working PC. Prefer bootable diagnostics or verified vendor tools, scan downloads with updated antivirus, and verify checksums where provided. If uncertainty remains after the steps above, swapping in a known‑good RAM stick or consulting a local repair service provides a quick definitive test.

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Member Avatar for Rik_

You most likely have either a bad stick of ram or your graphics card is beginning to fail. The symptoms you describe are almost always caused by one or the other.

Member Avatar for Treadiculous

RIK - it was the RAM, it must have come loose during the move.

Thank you!

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