How do I "scrub" an old computer with Widows XP?

[tw]

Originally Posted by IamSam

I've worked on that old computer before (friend one is so clueless, he calls me up for every little thing in regard to his computer), and the monitor hook-up on the tower was just fine.

The video connector is usually soldered to the motherboard. Its not an easy job.

However with needle nose pliers, male pins can be straightened. Without a guard, the video plug can be carefully mated to those pins. That will get temporarily access to the computer.

From the sound of damage, best is a new video card purchased - that is compatible with the motherboard video PCI slot. More could be said if the computer vendor and model was defined.