Screen flashing at startup

I've got a vista home basic 32 bit (desktop E-system).

For months now, my screen has went black from time to time whilst on the internet but come back within seconds. However a few days ago, I switched the PC on and the monitor started flickering like a strobe light - white. It took about 5 minutes to get to the log in screen when before it was only like 2 minutes. It has become progressively worse, with the time to get to the log in screen increasing each time, however once I get past the log in screen the PC works just fine. Today it took just over a half hour - I really thought it was completely dead.

I have no idea if the problem lies with my monitor or my PC (don't have a spare monitor to check) and was hoping someone could offer me the benefit of their knowledge and any ideas how to fix it.

I have searched the net for a solution but I can't find anything which I'm sure matches my issue and being a complete technophobe I'm frightened of doing more damage if I try and do things to my PC that might be irreversible!

It sounds like the video card.

Does it have a true gpu, or is it onboard?

If its a dedicated card, open the case up and just make sure it hasn't wiggled out any.

Next, I'd uninstal the drivers, use driversweeper, the reinstall the newest ones.

The slow bootup, seems like its having issues getting the card to start, which says drivers or hardware.

Welcome to TF

What's that now?

I have no idea what cards, true gpu's or onboards are. Sorry, I really am a technophobe and don't understand tech talk. If you can tell me where to find out these things, I'll gladly let you know.

Thanks for the welcome.

You can find all the information out by knowing the make and model of computer. Or if you post up the model, I can dig for it too.

No worries on the limited computer knowledge... Knowing that I be less techy and more laymened, just dont start using, "The thing-i-mijig, with a doo-whirl" and we should be good