The graphics card would be in the upper slot (most likely) sticking out perpendicular from the motherboard. Something like this (red card):



At nVidia click Graphics drivers > GForce (top)(most likely unless it is pretty old) > XP > Go

If you can see the card there should be some reference to either ATI or nVidia.

Okay, as per your directions, I opened the computer and realise I do not have a graphic card installed. I think. (Some guy told me sometime ago I have an onboard graphic card, whatever that means.)

Then I tried installing this GeForce 4 MX GPU card, but when I slot it in and on the computer, the moniter refuses to light up though the CPU is still running.

And when I remove the card, it works normally. Does that mean the card is not compatible with the system?

Older motherboards had the graphics on-board. It was just a chip on the motherboard so no card.

While some of these are quite advanced very few will play high end video games.

But you said it used to work?

..................................

Now are you saying that you are installing a graphics card?

If so did you move the monitor plug from the motherboard to the graphics card?

Yeah, it used to work, but I think that was after the installation of the above mentioned graphic card.

No idea when the guy took it out when installing Windows XP. He might have said something about the card not being compatible with the computer, or something along those lines. Can't remember.

Which brings me to my other question, does it matter whether it is compatible with the system or not? Cos I don't wish the computer to crash, it's not mine you see.

'Now are you saying that you are installing a graphics card?' Yeah I did, or rather tried to. And no, I didn't move the moniter plug. I'm gonna have a go at it now.

The motherboard will detect the card so you need to move the plug.

Okay, why doesn't my moniter plug fit into the slot of the graphics card? This is so frustrating.

There are two types of plugs/connectors: DVI and VGA.

If that is the issue there are adapters available:

http://images.google.com/images?sour...=1&sa=N&tab=wi

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...utf8&q=dvi+vga

Meaning there is no other way besides getting an adapter?

But I do not understand why there wasn't this problem last time.

Is this the difference?



If so you need an adapter. I don't know what was done. Why did someone remove the card? Perhaps they kept the adapter.

There are two slots on the graphics card. And yes, one of the slots' size is similar to your picture (the bottom one).

What is the other smaller slot for anyway?

'Older motherboards had the graphics on-board. It was just a chip on the motherboard so no card.

While some of these are quite advanced very few will play high end video games.'

Are there any ways to find out whether my onboard graphics allows me to play the game?