How to Trackdown a Hardware Failure with Knoppix?

[Jonathan Hutchins]

On Sunday 10 October 2004 12:05 pm, you wrote:

> I probably should have mentioned that this was an existing HD install
> that had been there for +1.5 or so. Never any problem with the video
> card in the past. It simply up and died a couple of days ago and my wife
> is now demanding that I address it. So here I am. ;-)

Ok, well the first thing to do then is (unplug everything), open up the case, 
and vacuumi it out (compressed air is more effective if available).  Next, 
locate the video card.  Un-do the screw that holds it in it's slot, remove 
the card, and replace it.  You might also remove the memory modules and 
replace them.  

The idea hear is to slide the contacts on the board and in the slot against 
each other, knocking off any dirt or oxidation, and making fress contact.  
Make sure everything's properly seated in the right place, and latched down.  

Pay close attention to wires and cables in the case while you do this.  It's 
ok if you knock one loose just so long as it goes back exactly where it was, 
with exactly the same orientation.

Having tried this, reboot, and see where the problem appears to be now.