Sometimes my screen just goes black

[GayandProud]

Nvidia GeForce FX5200 version 5.3.1.6

[PlasticAnnArbor]

just off hand with this old of a driver on your system
When was the last time that " windows update " was ran ?
and if "auto update " is on it should be a new one ( but there broken one)
you might want to run windows update and install service pack 2 ?( might not be installed) and install service pack 3 FIRST

the nvidia drives 5.3.1.6 was released on 2/23/2004
very old
here is the link to the new one
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_175.19_whql.html
---------
instructions
-- from nvidia --
# "Download Accelerator" utilities should be disabled when downloading any drivers.

# Do not run virus protection software in the background while installing the drivers. This prevents the driver from configuring itself properly.
-------------
1)
download but DO NOT INSTALL . if you are using firefox save it to " My Documents ", you might be able to with IE 6 or 7 but not sure
from my last post get back to the " Driver " tab
and click "uninstall " to remove the driver
reboot
2)
the system should re boot but with a very low resolution 480x300
go to " My Documents " and double click on the new driver , to install . fallow all on screen instructions .
reboot
3)
there will be a new icon in the system tray for the nvidia control panel , with this you can set all of the properties
-- a link ( pdf) to the users guide --
also on the download page
http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/175.19/175.19_NVIDIA_Control_Panel_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf

---
and that should do it ,having a 4 year old driver installed is a problem

[GayandProud]

ok thanks I'll have a go

[boingo]

It won't be the graphics drivers unless they have become corrupted or there's a compatibility issue with another piece of hardware or a Windows update. -Which is even more unlikely because Windows updates often include drivers for graphics cards.

[PlasticAnnArbor]

that would normally be true but the driver for the
Nvidia GeForce FX5200 version 5.3.1.6
the nvidia drives 5.3.1.6 was released on 2/23/2004
this means that the driver was not updated , if this one was not updated then MS updates is not set to auto and/or has not been run.
see "products supported "
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_175.19_whql.html