Dell Inspiron 9200.. Nvidia 6800.. Screen Blinking/Comp Locks up

[Little Ed]

Hello,


I have a Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop, a while ago I got an error
saying that Nv4_disp.dll was stuck in an infinite loop, I have a
Nvidia 6800 video card. Since then everytime I try to use my laptop
the screen starts to blink, and it when this happens the computer
completely locks up and is totally un-useable.


I can use my computer just fine in Safe Mode, the blinking doesn't
occur at all... it seems to only happen when I have my resolution
and colour settings set high, which of course they need to be,
cause
who can use a computer in 256 colours?!? The computer also
works just fine if I go into safe mode and uninstall the Nvidia
drivers and reboot, but just in 4bit color.


I brought it to be repaired, and they gave me the very bad advice
that
my hard drive was failing and I needed to replace it, $150 later and
a new hard drive and the problem is still happening.


Can anyone please offer any advice as to why this could be
happening, and any possible fixes?!


Thanks in Advance!

 

[DL]

Visit Dell support for your specific tag #, and install the correct vid
drivers, read any notes on how to, this sometime involves uninstalling items
in Add/Remove dialogue

 

[Little Ed]

Hey.. Thanks for the reply, I've already tried this.
When I uninstall the drivers and reboot the computer it works fine,
but in 4bit colour. Then as soon as I install the latest drivers
from Dell the problem starts again. I am 100% positive they are the
correct drivers, they are the ones Dell Support told me to get.

 

[Malke]

Hey.. Thanks for the reply, I've already tried this.
When I uninstall the drivers and reboot the computer it works fine,
but in 4bit colour. Then as soon as I install the latest drivers
from Dell the problem starts again. I am 100% positive they are the
correct drivers, they are the ones Dell Support told me to get.

Since you've determined this isn't drivers (software), it is probably
hardware failure. Your description of the issue points to the video chip
failing. Unfortunately, since you have a laptop the video is on the
motherboard which means the entire motherboard must be replaced. Call
Dell tech support to see what this will cost and make your decision
accordingly. Of course, if the machine is still under warranty you
should exercise that warranty and get the motherboard replaced.


Malke

 

[DL]

Then as Malke says - a hardware failure