ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

A laptop has been dumped on me thats cycling in BSODs on start up due to graphics problem (nvlddmkm). And I'm being persistently nagged to fix it

Its starts and runs fine in safe mode, it also runs fine in normal mode if I uninstall the graphics drivers beforehand whilst in safe mode.

But upon booting in normal mode Vista detects the graphics and reinstalls it, and prompts to restart. When it retstarts it BSODs again with nvlddmkm as the last file causing the error.

When its running, the screen has loads of artifacts all over it (little yellow dashed lines), and regardless of what nvidia drivers I use be it old ones new ones official ones unofficial ones (Dox). It makes no difference, it still BSODs.

I reckon the graphics chip has had it. The fans work, I've blown out the dust with a 150psi air line blower, no difference. The fact I've had nVidia powered HP laptops do something similar (artifacts, only running in safe mode with external monitor etc) suggest to me this one is knackered too.

Short of a clean slate OS reinstall, which I can't do as the Windows serial number sticker has been defaced Is there anything else I can do? I'm thinking no, its dead. But I'm open to suggestions.

Spec:
Dell Insprion 9400
Intel Core 2 T7200 (2Ghz)
Nvidia Geforce Go 7900GS graphics
2 gig RAM
Vista 32bit.

Failing that is there anyway I can force Vista to use a generic VGA driver, instead of it re-installing the correct ones as a temporary fix. Just so I can give it back functioning and get rid of it for a peaceful life.

albob

how about using one these 'key finding' program, then u could do a reinstal??


alan

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

ubuntu - if you still have instability with the GPU it will still be evident with the new install and you can bin it off.

brendy76

iTrader: (6)

This, download the ubuntu image and boot of the live cd, you dont even have to install it to test the card.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Cheers, will take a look at doing that.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

gpu fubar, artifacts are a sign of a failing chipset.

An0n0m0us

I would also try uninstalling the vga driver that Vista has automatically installed and download the manufacturers drivers off their site and install them instead. Other than that yes the gpu has had it.