I store all of my data on this computer, so when I wanted 8.10 on the other
one, I just did a full install. I wanted it on a different drive, anyway.

I'm not a big fan of upgrades. Most of the time, you end up with a bunch of
unused files. Especially with M$ products.

Try digging up an old S3 video card or something and installing it, just to
see if it is a video problem. Do you have any? The local computer store
might give you one.