The screen goes blank usually at the point when I move the mouse pointer to enter my password to log in to Windows XP. Occasionally, Windows XP will load and the screen may then go blank at any time.
I recently uninstalled the graphics hardware in Windows, removed the driver software and reinstalled it. This seemed to solve the problem for a couple of weeks and now it is back. I have tried the hardware uninstall/reinstall technique again to no avail.
The screen works fine in safe mode and in normal mode with a VGA Compatible Video Driver, except that I do not have access to the second screen used by the video-out connection, which is connected to my television screen.
My assumption is that the graphics hardware is faulty. Does anyone have any other suggestions or agree with this diagnosis?
If my graphics card is faulty, does anyone know where I can obtain a (new) replacement card at a realistic price (a web site would be useful)? Fujitsu's official spares are very expensive for such an old card, although it might be my only option.
Also, assuming I do need to replace the graphics card in my laptop, does anyone have nice, easy, step-by-step instructions for so doing? I did qualify as an electronics engineer a lifetime ago but the intricacies of accessing the innards of modern laptops often defeats me.
Thanks to all who read this plea for help and even greater thanks to anyone who comes up with a practical repair strategy that costs less than the laptop is now worth.