Purple tint on display from Graphics card

I posted this on another forum but didn't get much replies. I'm hoping to get more here. Cliffs at bottom:

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Hey guys, I know if anyone can help me its you.

I was tinkering around in my computer (in sig) All I was trying to do was remove two of the hdd's. Next thing I know, when I power back on my monitor looks like its in 16 bit color with a predominant tint of purple... I've checked all my connections on and around the graphics card. I was wondering what this could mean. btw, I have checked this computer with another monitor so it is not my monitor. I have disconnected the second gfx card (i'm crossfired) so i think that excludes that card's fault. So i'm pretty sure its my Crossfire Master card... If I can't come up with any solutions, whats the best way to return it for a new one or to send it in for repairs?

Update: I've tried wiggling the computer and at NO time does it flicker back to normal. It can still do 3d but looks very purple-ish and the gradient between colors is not smooth.

Update2: So since the last post I have tried reinstalling the catalyst drivers. This was particularly interesting because when I uninstalled the old ones and rebooted, the picture was not graphically accelerated but it also did not have the purple tint...When I tried to install the latest catalysts however, it failed the driver install and now I can't boot... It goes up through the "windows xp" with the loading bar then just hangs in black...Does this sound like a vid card or mobo problem? I really hope its just the card as I don't feel like taking out a mobo.


To troubleshoot for vidcard/mobo problem can I take out the master card and replace it with the secondary card to see if it is the slot that is the problem?

Update3: I'm thinking....Is it possible to completely take out the master card and swap in the secondary card to test the PCI-e Slot?

Because, if it is possible, and the card works...then that would suggest a bad Master card. ugh...if not then i have a bad mobo.


"

Cliffs:
-Either my motherboard or graphics card is sending a signal to my monitor with a purple tint.
-It is not my monitor as another (known working) monitor produces the same results.
-To troubleshoot between a gfx card or mobo problem, can I switch out my crossfire master card with my secondary card to see if it fixes the problem (thus telling me it is the Master card's fault)
-Since I tried reinstalling the CATALYST drivers I cannot boot up past the Windows XP loading screen. (with the scrolling green bar)
-If I need to RMA either the ABIT mobo or the X1900 Master Card what is the best way to go about that? Will they attempt to repair or replace? How long will it take?

Wow guys,...nobody?

matrix0507 said:

-Since I tried reinstalling the CATALYST drivers I cannot boot up past the Windows XP loading screen. (with the scrolling green bar)

Click to expand...

What version of Windows are you using, XP or Vista. The reason I ask is because if you are running XP, and the scrolling bar is green, this would indicate you have not updated to SP2.
Now, I could be wrong here, so if I am correct me, but I do not believe that many of the latest drivers may have problems with an un-updated system.

And, did you run driver cleaner after you un-installed your old drivers?

digital_exhaust said:

What version of Windows are you using, XP or Vista. The reason I ask is because if you are running XP, and the scrolling bar is green, this would indicate you have not updated to SP2.
Now, I could be wrong here, so if I am correct me, but I do not believe that many of the latest drivers may have problems with an un-updated system.

And, did you run driver cleaner after you un-installed your old drivers?

Click to expand...

Its XP and I was updated to SP2...I didn't run driver cleaner before the install but that is moot because everything was f'd before the whole driver install/uninstall debacle. (it had been a month or two since I had last installed a gfx driver before it went south so I don't think the corruption had anythign to do with a faulty install)

edit: and by green scrolly bar, i meant the one that scrolls horizontally when xp is loading with the black background...

I went crazy trying to find a solution for a similar problem I had. Turned out that I had knocked the cable slightly off the port, and not all pins were connecting. Did you check that, or use another cable?

matrix0507 said:

edit: and by green scrolly bar, i meant the one that scrolls horizontally when xp is loading with the black background...

Click to expand...

Yes, this bar changed to blue when SP2 is installed. Also the word "Home" or "Professional" disappears, and it just says "Microsoft Windows, [scrolly-scrolly], Copyright etc".

As for the actual problem, I was inclined to say that it sounds like the plug isnt connected properly (that would account for the purply-ness), but not the 16 color lookalikeness. Plus its all gone mental since then lol. But I'd say you have a bad card (graphics).

As for RMA, I would be VERY surprised if they tried to repair it. More than likely test it to see if its dodgy, and if so, send another. Or at least thats what I'd hope.

Hey guys, thanks for your insight. I must say that after another long night of troubleshooting (i know, it seems more like a full time job) I just scrapped the whole windows install and started from scratch. Everythign is up and running again...I have no idea what caused the windows corruption but it is done now so thanks again! (I was this close to ripping my mobo and two gfx cards out and RMA'ing them all to be sure..lol)