Problems with Computer: HDD and GPU, I think

Palador · Jun 2, 2014

Hello once again. I had some problems recently with my PC. I don't really know what happened and it was all very out of the blue, but I turned on the computer and the screen was showing all kinds of weird colours. It said there was a problem with my NVidia 8800 GT Graphics Card (which a friend gave me a couple years back). I thought maybe one of the cables had gotten loose or something so I disconnected and reconnected both the VGA cable (my monitor uses VGA and not DVI) and the power cable, but it still had the same problem.
I turned on Windows the PC on again and it worked fine, but then suddenly there was a BSOD and now my primary 3.5" HDD doesn't work anymore. My secondary 2.5" one also has Windows installed on it, and that works, but it still has the problem with the screen looking really weird.
My PSU is not great, a 400W Maxtron, but I've used the PC for one-and-a-half years.
It's weird that my PC has a problem like this just when a friend of mine is in the States and I wanted to ask him to pick up a new PSU for me.
I don't know if any of you have advice on what the problem could be and if my GPU and HDD are completely shot or not. I read that sometimes it can be a problem with the DVI to VGA adapter, but I don't have a second one to try. I did try a second monitor, but it also showed the same weird colours.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS: I noticed that my graphics card has been running very hot. Although I never really took note of it before when it was working fine, so it may be just normal. I just thought it might be good to mention.

Thanatognomonic · Jun 2, 2014

I had this problem a few weeks back. This is a problem with the cable itself. The only thing I can suggest is buying a new one.
Your HDD problem might just be an unplugged cable, make sure they're all securely plugged into their rightful places.

a note to your PS. As long as your GPU is running under 70 degrees then you'll be fine.

Palador · Jun 2, 2014

I tried a different VGA cable and still got the same problem. Could it be the DVI to VGA converter you think?
The HDD may just be bad luck at a bad time. :/

Thanatognomonic · Jun 2, 2014

That sounds like it could be the problem. Does your monitor support native DVI/HDMI? if so, you should consider grabbing one of them two cables instead of a VGA one.

Palador · Jun 2, 2014

No. Monitor is only VGA, unfortunately. However when Windows boots it says there is a problem with the graphics card and that I need to rerun the performance assessment, etc. Would it tell me this if it were simply a problem with the connections between the GPU and the monitor?

Palador · Jun 2, 2014

This is how the screen looks in Windows.

Thanatognomonic · Jun 3, 2014

What does the problem say? is there any form of error code with it? if not, could you write down, word for word, what it says?
Also, are all of your drivers correctly running and updated?
Finally, disconnect your VGA to DVI adapter, check the pins on it, are they all aligned or are some bent?

Palador · Jun 4, 2014

Code 43.
It says:
"Device Status: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)"
and then in the resources tab:
"Resource Settings: This device isn't using any resources because it has a problem."

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the GPU itself and then the drivers.

Palador · Jun 4, 2014

By uninstalling and reinstalling, you mean removing and inserting it again, right? Or...?
If so, I already tried that, but I can try again.

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

But it probably is the adapter.

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

Yes the physical GPU and then the actual gpu drivers...uninstall and reinstall the drivers if you can.

Palador · Jun 4, 2014

I don't actually see anything wrong with the adapter. If there is a problem with the adapter though, would it be showing the Error Code 43? Also, should I just uninstall the GPU in the device manager or is there another way to go about it?

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

Palador :

One sec I will double check that error code if possible. Do you have any of your manuals and tried looking it up?

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/errorc/a/code-43-error.htm
Try that link.

Palador · Jun 4, 2014

No, a friend gave it to me, so I didn't get any manuals with it. I can search online.

NBSN · Jun 4, 2014

Yeah you can find the manual for most parts online but they don't always help any. I would definitely suggest uninstalling and reinstalling the program/drivers/etc. And I really hope that fixes it. Just go through the list I sent in the link there are a few youtube videos trying to fix it you can google and hopefully one of them is the fix to your particular issue.

Palador · Jun 4, 2014

Uninstalled and reinstalled drivers, but still same problem. I wish I had another adapter to try or a PC with a more powerful PSU.

Palador · Jun 7, 2014

Well, it turns out that the GPU is gone. I tried everything in the list, but nothing fixed it. I was able to help somebody else with theirs though and solve their problem. So, I guess that's a positive. I'm still not sure about the HDD. It's weird that it just stopped working and is not recognized at all as it showed no signs of failure before now. I will get it checked by an expert. I hope I didn't lost all the information on there. Most of it was backed up though, but it may still be a bit of a pain.

Doramius · Jun 7, 2014

Overall, it sounds like your graphics card was failing. It may not hit over it's normal operating temp, but the effect is that of a failing GPU. This does happen. As for the HDD, download UBCD (Universal Boot CD). You can find it for free and download the ISO. you can pput it on a disc or flash drive. Once booted from the software, it'll be able to read a drive a little better than Windows. It's a lite Linux kernel and very easy to use. If it is unable to read or repair a disk/drive, then your options are very limited. Quite possibly a failed drive.

Palador · Jun 8, 2014

Oh, yes, I downloaded that a while back when I was having problems with my PC, but never ended up using it. I'll burn it to a CD and give it a try though. Thanks!

Problems with Computer: HDD and GPU, I think

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