I was given a thirdhand Compaq Presario recently and installed Ubuntu Handy Heron on it & it's been working great. The only other thing I've done is install some RAM. I used it for a couple weeks, then moved it across the room, unplugging all the cables and setting everything up again in a similar fashion. Only now, instead of booting up as normal, it's telling me that my graphics card can't be read correctly. If I attempt to configure the card or just continue as normal, the computer goes to a solid grey screen (not off entirely). The only other option is to shut down. I've been told to try to reconnect the graphics card, but I think everything is attached to the motherboard/CPU unit without much room for me to fiddle around. What can I do?

uninstall some other component's like the hard disk and the ram. that might give enough room to remove the video card. Want A Weekly Update on Latest System Security Problem http://www.systemsecurityinstitute.org

Do you mean the graphics are on-board (on the motherboard) and not an add-on card? Does ubuntu have a safe mode? If so does it boot up OK that way?

I just looked at the monitor cable when I was plugging stuff in again & one of the pins was bent.... tried to bend it back & ended up bending most of the pins. Ow. No longer think it's an actual graphics card issue, thanks. Now, how do I replace my monitor cable?

Depends on the monitor. If the cable goes into the back of the monitor it's not easy. If it detaches from the back of the monitor then all you need is another one of those cables. But I've dealt with bent pins quite a bit. Just get a small flat-blade screwdriver--about the size you'd use to tighten the screws on a pair of eyeglasses--and straighten them with it. If a pin is really jammed down you may need some needle-nose pliers to pull it out.

Well see if the monitor's cable is detachable. Most of monitor have them connected directly on the board of the monitor. if its detachable then detach it and then bring it to a computer store and ask them if the have the same type cord. Want A Weekly Update on Latest System Security Problem http://www.systemsecurityinstitute.org