My windows xp laptop screen flashes random colors

[xd854]

Hello, my Toshiba tecra s1 running on xp keeps flashing randoms colors. it all started when i was play total overdose which i had bought just that day. at first i thought it was a virus but after i scanned it with my avast anti virus it came up with nothing. so question is what is wrong please if anyone has had this problem please help

 

[Zinosys]

What colors is it flashing? Red, yellow, blue, green, etc?

Are they becoming overtones over the normal picture or solid color?

I highly doubt it would be malware, and your scan confirmed my suspicion.

It is very possible that a cable came loose (connecting the LCD to the GPU).

 

[GhislainG]

The video controller might be defective. Does it do it as soon as you boot? Does it do it if you boot from a CD? Replacing the motherboard might be more expensive than the laptop is worth.

 

[xd854]

it flashes green and is and overtone of the picture

 

[GhislainG]

Zinosys might be correct. Check the connectors to make sure they're fully inserted. It could also be a broken cable.