Hi, I just switched on a 7 or 8 year old XP loaded Pentium 4 PC
that I've not used for several months.

It did'nt seem to respond until I flicked the power switch at the back a few times before pressing the front button again.
Then it started loading XP,
but during startup there was a sudden unexpected rapid sequence
of 3 to 6 loud 'pops' similar to the sound of cap guns or party poppers going off.

Then the screen just went blue.

If I switch it back on, I get all the LEDs lighting on the front of the machine as normal,
but only a dead blue screen on the monitor.

So, I pulled the lead out and opened the PC case.
But couldn't smell burning, or see any obvious signs of smoke
or heat damage.
I need to get a better look in bright daylight tomorrow.

Any ideas what the problem might be, and how serious to fix ?

Previously the only real problem with the machine was that the graphics card would occasionally work its way loose
in its socket and cause crashes, or failed start ups.
But all I needed to do was press it back in firm again and restart as OK.

Help apreciated, thanks.