Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop display problems

service key 2X3S721, XP Pro SP3, 1.8GHz, 512MB RAM

Me: not computer ignorant, but not super savvy either. I'm fearless to the point I will take it apart if I think I can put it back together. This is a 'backup' laptop so this is not 'mission critical' for me.

I was unable to correct the screen resolution issue at first, but in reading forums I downloaded a new driver, corrected the resolution, so resolution is fine.

Now...I'm still dealing with a 'fuzzy' picture on the screen. It looks like a 'houndstooth' pattern and does NOT seem to change if I physically move the screen back and forth on its hinges. I connected an external monitor to see if it has the same 'fuzz', and it does, so my understanding is that this indicates that my screen is fine, but I may need a new graphics card or have a bad wired connection. What is the best way to determine which is likely the problem?

My initial thought is that I need a new graphics card.

The url's below are screen shots of the same image, one on the 'fuzzy' screen, the other on different computer with a good screen for comparison. I'm hoping someone has seen the same pattern and knows the fix.

[img][/img]