For the past two days, when I turned on my computer, the monitor showed a black screen with SHORT white bars at the bottom. The computer makes SOUNDS like it is on. The monitor light is on. The screen is all black except for the bars at the bottom. After a few minutes like this, the white bars all become one, from left to right...then it turns on. This takes quite a while. What is happening here? What should I do? Please help!! THANK you!!!check your hardware if there properly installed or maybe its a virus or maybe I am just an idoit. Hahaha...I doubt you're an idiot!!...and the hardware is wired properly...so I'm guessing virus?...eek. Don't know where to begin with that one!Hey sUP gurl What happened before this started?
What changes did you make, etc?
What OS are you using?
Does the PC work OK once it's actually on?
And what protection do you have?

Finally, welcome to the forums, Radiogirl.Hi...here are answers to your questions...

What happened before this started? Nothing..everything was normal
What changes did you make, etc? No changes have been MADE whatsoever
What OS are you using? Windows XP
Does the PC work OK once it's actually on? Yes...maybe I shouldn't turn it off?
And what protection do you have? PCSafe Adware

Finally, welcome to the forums, Radiogirl....THANKS!!! it sounds like you are safe with your protection and software. Try updating your anti-virus. the hard drive could also be going bad, or it could be your monitor. when you turn it on and the screen eventually comes on, at which point of bootup is the computer at. If it is at the windows screen it could be a problem with the monitorPat,

Hmmm...good question. I'm not sure what stage it is at when it finally comes on. I believe it is at the Windows XP screen. What would that mean?