I understand about "i don't have any more savings", I'm still running my machine on Win98, so I even have a ways to catch up with you.
OK, here's what I think I understand:
Your Video Card
did perform well, even after you upgraded to Windows XP.
You have already Updated your machine's Chipset Drivers, appropriate to those compatible with XP.
You have already installed DirectX 9.0c.
You have already Updated your XP Operating System from Microsoft Updates.
Your Video Card functions correctly "sometimes" and fails "sometimes".
Correct me on the above, if I'm wrong.
_____________
Additional suggestions:
(1)
Turn off your machine and unplug the power cord, and physically remove the card. (be sure to use Static Electricity precautions)
Use a red eraser (on the end of a pencil is OK) to clean the gold contacts.
Don't be afraid to apply a little pressure to get those gold contacts brightened up.
You can also use a lint-free swab (best is a foam rubber type) and use common rubbing-alcohol to finish the cleaning (on the gold contacts only) (do not immerse or wet the rest of the board).
Reseat the Video Card, making sure that it is firmly and completely inserted into the card slot.
That Card has a "Seating Clip" held by a pressure clip…….. make sure it gets completely into place.
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(2)
There would be no harm in re-installing your Video Card software driver.
My recommendation would be to reboot your machine (turn it on) while the Video Card is still physically out of the machine. Your Monitor will remain dark, since you won't have any place to plug in the monitor.
Next:
Turn your machine off and unplug the power cord.
Install your Video Card, making sure it is firmly seated.
Then Reboot. Windows will "find new hardware" and you can direct it to your Video Card CD for installation.
***
***While you have your case open, inspect for dust and dirt, making sure that your heatsinks are clean for good air circulation. Make sure the fans are not blocked or jammed with dirt.
Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dirt and dust bunnies.
Use compressed air to blow out dust from your Power Supply Unit, but you don't need to take the PSU apart.
Be sure that "air intake" (openings at front bottom of computer) are clear of dirt.
Never "wet" any parts inside the computer.
Do not use cloth or brush to clean components inside your case. (contact with cloth or brush causes problems with Static Electricity!
*** While you have your case open, check to see that all other PCI cards are firmly seated.
*** While you have your case open, check to see that IDE ribbons and power connectors are firmly connected to your Drives.
(3)
Check all the cords and plugs on the outside of your machine.
Especially the Monitor cord and plug. The Monitor plug must be seated firmly and you should "screw-in" at least one of the attachment screws on the Monitor plug.
(4)
Now consider your power source wiring.
Do you have a surge protector?
Is the wiring of your home or office adequate?….
You can plug in all of your computer, monitor, and peripherals to the one surge protector, but it should have its own wall plug that is not shared by other devices like TV or appliances, in order to insure steady flow of electricity to your Computer.
(5)
Placement of Speakers.
Your speakers (which have magnets in them) should not be situated close to your Computer Tower or your Monitor. One (1) foot separation is adequate.
I've tried to think of all I can to suggest.
Maybe I'll think of the "magic bullet" answer later.
More likely, a more knowledgeable Member will come along and point out what has been overlooked.
We can at least hope.
Best Regards
