thanks for advice! I tried the scan thing and found no conflicts! and vertical lines only appear sometimes like when i run internet explorer and outlook express. when I use word and other software itsthen its all normal which is a bit ??? but I will open and try to fix the card if that would help. but what you said about speeds and compatibility with the MB is very interesting. the only thing is I dont know where to start with that! I have a slot on it for the 64mb ram and it seems to be working now only very slow still so I might revert back to my original configuration and try to figure a way how to stick the scsi and a scanner on it> as for reinstallign windows I have a fully automatic process that works which is how it came when i bought the damn thing so I will do that again! if you have any other suggestions please let me know especially with regard to all that bios speed stuff!! thanks in advance!