Every time I try to START my computer the display either doesn't load up or it loads in and out, but the left side of the screen is all shaky/staticy/distorted. I tried the monitor on a different comp and it works, tried switching monitor plugs, apparently it's the computer.
I thought it might be a virus and was gonna erase the HD, but it's not detecting the harddrive when I try to reinstall windows.
As far as I know, the comp has some crappy integrated GRAPHICS, it's got 1 GB of ram and... RUNNING windows vista on the HD.
It's an HP Pavilion a1130n, if that helps o.o
The comp is like 10 + years old I think, we've had it for awhile.. so.. yah Lol
Thanks in advance for any help.This matches the model number you gave but it's not QUITE 10 years old, just coming up 5 years. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00388382&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=483902

Still, in computer terms it's a senior. You can buy an old PCI-Express GPU and see if that makes a difference ~$45.00 for a brand new older model (converted from GBP prices), maybe cheaper on auction sites.

You don't have the computer near any strong magnetic sources do you?Check the monitor and the connectors on the computer and ensure there are no broken or bent connector pins.

Replace the monitor cable if it shows signs of wear or damage or if slight bends make it cut out.

Ensure there is no device next to the monitor creating interference, for example a subwoofer should be at ground level and not next to the monitor as this can make it distort.

Your graphic card might be damaged, you could try re-installing the drivers, but I don't think that would help, sounds more of a hardware issue.Ummm it's near two other computers, but other than that, there's nothing else nearby. I'm guessing a PCI-Express is a video card? Anyway, I tried using a couple other monitor cables I got lieing around and they didn't work with this computer, but were fine with others. And the monitor itself works fine with other computers as well.. mm.
Since it has integrated graphics, that means it's built into the motherboard, right? If the problem is with the graphics, than the only solution would be to by a video card? O.o
Thanks for both your responses btw.Check Control Panel > Display > Screen Resolution > Advance Settings...

On the monitor tab, check the screen refresh rate. If not already, tick the 'hide modes that this monitor cannot display', set the refresh rate around 75 Hertz (60 Hertz is default). If it's set too high, will affect the monitor, so set it lower, but too low will be slow on the eyes and when gaming FPS you can notice alot.

PCI-Express is the motherboard connection for graphic cards (not integrated). Integrated graphics is built into the motherboard and shares the computers memory. It could be the memory, but most likely be the card. If it's integrated and the problem, upgrading to a new graphic card would also help a lot performance. However, make sure your power supply can power it, the latest graphic cards are very hungry!If the link I provided shows the correct computer, then your motherboard will take PCI-Express graphics cards (as apposed to the older AGP).