Annoying computer problem?

[BreakingPoint]

For a while now, I've been having a really annoying computer problem. This problem pretty much only occurs whenever I try to play an installed computer game or while playing games like the ones on Facebook. My computer will kind of shut off. The monitor goes black, but the power is still on. If I press the buttons, the menus stuff will still pop up. There is no sound or image or anything. I've tried fiddling with the monitor plugs, but nothing changes, so I don't believe the monitor is the problem. The tower is still on, but I can't restart it with the power button until I've unplugged it and plugged it back in. It's a black Dell tower. Someone had suggested dust inside the machine to be the cause of the problem, so I opened up the tower and wiped away any dust I saw, but the problem is still there and is happening more frequently. I can't afford professional help, and honestly, I don't want to risk that. They could care less about damaging your tower or deleting everything from it.

[ForgottenSiN]

BreakingPoint,

You have forgot to mention ur System Spec . I think your video card stops responding to commands from the display driver. Here r few suggestions ,

Update ur Drivers
Check for any Over Heating
first uninstall the video card drivers and then get the new driver package from ur Graphics card Website.

[BreakingPoint]

I don't really know how to do any of that...>_>

[hal9000]

Like forgottenSIN said, we really need more system information than a 'black Dell' as we need to know what's in your machine to help diagnose and fix the problem. The model, s/n or asset tag on the sticker would help.

Not to be rude, but you sound very inexperienced at trying to fix your own computer as you can't download drivers / software or get system info or temps but you then say you don't want to 'risk' having a professional look at it. A few 'Big Box' stores might format your PC as soon as they look at it, but most would not and instead try to sort the problem. You seem to have got a very low opinion of IT professionals from somewhere!!

I'm sure the good people on Raymonds will help you but remember if you don't have much of a clue what you're doing, it could be more of a 'risk' trying to fix things inside your PC or in Windows yourself and cause more problems than it solves.

[Odie]

I don't really know how to do any of that...>_>

Go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Information

Note the information under System Summary
Goto Components -> Display and note that info
Now Goto Problem Devices and note that info.

You now probably have all the info these guys are looking for