Windows ME machine bought at MicroCenter - OEM (whatever that means). Machine has always had problems and has limped along for years. I have run virus & spyware programs before this problem became this bad, and never found any problems. The current problem is this: the computer starts up, I get the desktop than 5 seconds later one of two things happen: 1] I lose the video, the screen goes blank, or 2] the machine reboots. Booting up in safe mode changes nothing. I get the exact same behaviour. I reinstalled the system (using the CDs which came with the computer, everything is menu driven) and I still get the same behaviour.

Reinstalling software won't help a hardware problem - which is what this sounds like. If you boot to DOS (from a floppy) does the same thing happen? Have you tried resetting the BIOS to default values? Possibly a bad power supply or a flakey video card, perhaps even memory. You might try removing and reseating the video card and memory sticks - it may be beneficial to gently clean the contacts with a pencil eraser. If that doesn't help then you might try swapping out the PS, video card or memory until you can isolate the problem. General troubleshooting procedure is to strip the machine down to the minimum components (1 stick of RAM & video), see if you can start successfully to the BIOS screen, and then reconnect components one at a time until it misbehaves Resist the temptation to close your request for help with semantically-null questions like “Can anyone help me?”

OEM > Originial Equipment Manufactuers ! Many OEM versions of O/S are purchased in bulk there for the recovery CD they supply is not a full retail version of O/S ,this help to prevent you from using the CD they supply for installing O/S on another PC ! Also OEM's usally come with alot of extra software trial versions ,trying to get you to purchase the product after a 30 days of use ! Many use propriatary parts making it hard to upgrade the PC without purchasing their brand ,if you can even purchase the part you need. Dell is known to do this ,and is why many would tell you not to purchase a Dell, that one of the big benifits of doing your own build when it comes to a PC ,you can put in the best quality parts ,making sure of course they are all compatible with each other, and then install a full version of whichever O/S you chose without all of the extra Hard Drive wasting junk OEM's put on your system ! Take Care Nick

OEM original equipment manufacturer Resist the temptation to close your request for help with semantically-null questions like “Can anyone help me?”

Just yesterday, one my customer computer had the same problem. And it was due to faulty SMPS. try changing SMPS and your problem should be fixed. Also you can see some general display related problems and solutions here. rhi Check your site's google Page Rank here

I'd already mentioned the power supply as a possible (and fairly likely) culprit but it seems just a bit presumptuous to declare anything with such absolute certainty Resist the temptation to close your request for help with semantically-null questions like “Can anyone help me?”