Any help on the following problem would be very much appreciated. I have a compaq presario 7470 (I know,I know) that started acting up shortly after a router was connected and an older 3D shooter game was played on a network. Unsure if this is the cause. Don't think it's a software problem because I restored original factory condition (erasing all my files). The symptom are as follows: - sometimes boots up, sometimes not. If it fails to boot up, I leave it on (green light, no display) for about 10 minutes and then turn it off and back on again...it then works. However.... - after about 10 minutes, there are wavy lines on the monitor and then it freezes (ALWAYS the same pattern). A friend tried the Hard drive and power supply in other computers - they were fine. He think it might be the motherboard? Any thoughts would really be appreciated as I know the system is old, so it's a big waste to get a pro to look...may as well buy a new system. But thought maybe someone could help before I buy a new system. MANY THANKS in advance!

Have you tried cleaning it out? Could be dust build up causing a heat problem.

Is this a PC problem or a monitor problem? When you say " If it fails to boot up, I leave it on (green light, no display) for about 10 minutes", how do you know that the PC is not booting? Which green light do you refer to?

Reseat the video card and the ram, see if it helps... (green light, no display)????? are you reffering to the monitor's led or pc power led. -- Always do what you are afraid to do --

Hi! Wow...thanks for your responses. I did dust it out and it was really dirty...maybe that has already caused the damage? The green light refers to the PCs power led...it's not a monitor problem. It's like that fan doesn't kick in and I don't hear the second set of sounds that indicates it's booting up. Sorry my terminology is lacking.lol. Thanks Saber...will get someone to reseat the video card and the ram since I'm afraid to do try anything myself. I really appreciate your responses!