So upfront i'm obviously mentally challenged... Moving past that this is the short version...

I have the following:

XP prof
Dell Dimension 8200
AGP Video Card Geforce 5200 (128mb)
2.4 GHZ Processor
1 Gig Ram

I tried to install a new video card for better gaming (Geforce 7300 GT 512mb)... mine wasnt keeping up with the jones so I thought an update was due... I now know the grass isnt always greener...

I couldnt get it installed I tried tech support... they were of no help. So I tried doing some self help... reading forums online, tried a couple of what seemed harmless things (big mistake number 1)... still couldnt figure anything out... So I gave up and decided to plug the old video card back in... Now it wont install either.

The drivers wont install even though they appear to do so when using the CD that came with the video cards... I tried downloading the newest updates from NVIDIA. I also tried completely removing all video drives with some uninstall driver program (this may have been my final undoing)... I later realized my directx is gone. when I goto Run DXDIAG it says "DirectX version: NONE"... I tried installing directx 8.1 and 9C... nothing will install. My screen is jumpy, my monitor isnt listed int he hardware profile, and I cant adjust the resolution without going form one extreme to the other. Now the funny thing is... when I restart my computer the first screen is the only screen that names my video card correctly instead of VGA and surprisingly I can play SIMCITY4 with only some details missing like clouds... but pretty seamless... I dont know how....

I dont know what to do... Can someone please help???

Thank you for taking the time... I await my sentence..

siberadam