Quote:I meant the video card - if that must be replaced, the whole computer goes out.

 

It happens when I am posting, reading, searching, whatever - but not when I am chatting on AOL or watching videos. The blackouts are random. When I type, characters and spaces often do not show up immediately and the cursor sometimes stops blinking. It is like there is a disconnect between the computer and keyboard, except this is also random.

 

Another symptom is for the first time ever, I can hear the fan running without my hearing aids in. The fan runs for a few seconds, then turns off, then starts again. This is a constant thing and does not require me to be using the computer. That is why I thought this is a hardware issue.

 

Yea... there could be tons of things wrong including it could be overheating like rollerjag said.  I would update the video driver first.  If there's still problems, then I'd back up all my stuff and reinstall Windows.  If that doesn't work, then you know it's a hardware problem.  There could be a lot of dust build up inside.  You could try cleaning it and after that I guess look for a new computer.  But think twice before getting another HP though.  I still suggest a laptop, even if you say you hate them.

---