Radeon 9700 Pro Driver Update
 

This is the most random thing I've ever seen. I went and got the 6.11 Catalyst driver directly from ATI's website, downloaded, installed, and restarted. No problems, no errors during installation, etc.

So when the computer reboots and I open up Firefox, it starts loading everything frame by frame, if that makes sense. From the top of the browser (also does this in IE and other applications, too. Pretty much anything with content) it's like it's dragging a new frame with one more image on it or something. Anyway, it's really weird, and this "frame-by-frame" browsing is annoying.

So, thinking this was an error with the Catalyst driver, I went and downloaded a 6.9 update--two versions previous. Still does it, and that's what I'm currently using. If I go back to the original drivers that are on the CD that came with the card, I don't get anymore problems.

Why am I updating in the first place then? I want to play Fable. Problem is that I get these strange color lines that run through the monitor and the game when I try to load it. Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, you name it. Have to turn my monitor off and back on to repair it.

So what's the deal? This a common problem? Easy solution?

That's an extremely similar problem I had with my Radeon 9600 Pro. I went to upgrade to the latest catalyst drivers, and the end result wasn't pretty. Reverting to CD Drivers it worked great though (well, great as in it didn't horribly screw up everything)
I cant remember exactly what or who said it, but they did say that the 9600, and likely the 9700 apparently, can't support the latest Catalyst updates. I run a Geforce 7900 GT now, and don't have any problems with the Forceware drivers.

It may be worth trying the Omega drivers from http://www.omegadrivers.net/

I use them because the normal ATI drivers don't work with my laptops mobility 9700. They are meant to be pretty good for games anyway.

I believe I tried the Omega drivers as well. Seeing as how their based off Catalyst, it didn't help if I recall correctly. Couldn't hurt to try em though I suppose.

I downloaded/installed the Omega drivers and....!

No luck. Same problem. Any other suggestions?

What company made the card? Have you tried their website and drivers?

If you're referring to the chipset, it's ATI. It wasn't one of those Sapphire Radeon cards or anything like that.