Troubleshoot an ATI Video Card
ATI video cards can help boost the graphics performance of games and other multimedia programs, but they're not without faults. When applications that rely heavily on graphics crash or act erratically, you can usually tie the problem to your computer's video card. The good news is that some basic troubleshooting can typically reveal the source of trouble and help you get your video card working as it should.
Instructions
1. Uninstall the drivers currently being used by your video card. To do so, click "Start," type "devmgmt.msc" in the "Run" field, and press "Enter." In the Device Manager, double-click the "Display Adapters" entry, then right-click on your display adapter. Click "Uninstall" and follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the drivers. Reboot your computer.
2. Reinstall the drivers for your video card. This step can solve driver-related problems, particularly if your card is using outdated drivers. Browse to the AMD Graphics Drivers & Software page and choose your operating system and video card. Download the driver installation program to your Windows desktop and double-click it to install the drivers.
3. Check that the fan is operational on the video card if the driver installation doesn't solve the problem. If the fan isn't running or is blocked, you can encounter heat-related problems that can cause program crashes or visual artifacts. While the computer is running, open the computer's case cover (if the door doesn't have a see-through window) and ensure that the fan on the video card is running. If it isn't, make sure no cables are blocking it. If you suspect that the fan has failed, contact the manufacturer.
4. Shut down and unplug your computer if the previous steps didn't help. Place the antistatic wristband around your wrist and connect its clip to the computer's chassis. Open the computer case cover and make sure that the card is properly seated in the motherboard slot. Press firmly on the card to ensure a tight fit.
5. Check that the video card is connected to the power supply. This step is particularly relevant for newer video cards that require a discrete power source.
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