A question concerning Windows XP...

[Gabrielle Montgomery]

If anyone would be able to help me, I would appreciate it. Over the past few weeks, when I've tried to open things (like Windows Media Player, Windows Live, etc), the computer screen goes completely black for a few seconds, then comes back normal, then does it again. I am wondering if I could have a virus on the horizon (I have downloaded some music off Limewire in the past), so my questions are..

1) Has anyone here gotten a black screen like the one I described, and if so, how would I fix it?

2) If I needed to reset the entire computer (like restore everything to how it was when I first purchased it), how would I do that as well? I did it once before, I think by pressing either F1 or F2 as the system was starting up, but I don't remember. I also have virus software installed, and I haven't received notice of anything yet.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[born2beskinny]

Sorry, I have no idea.

[Adzer]

How often does this happen?

My laptop does it from time to time aswell, I dont think its a virus because only the screen is knocking off, more then likely just a loose graphics card , if your able to.... open the casing and tighten all your cards, might fix it.

[Gabrielle Montgomery]

It just started like a week or two ago, actually...only happens whenever I try to open things on the desktop. But I'll see if what you suggested works.

[carter007]

same thing happened to me 2 months ago
we had to buy a new screen
turns out to conserve your screen, you need to put your comp on hibernate or standby when your not using it