Display Adapter Problems

[PRB]

Windows XP SP2
Nvidia GeForceMX 440 AGP8X
Monitor Samsung SyncMaster 940b

- The problem: Everytime I boot the computer and it loads windows xp,
there's a yellow mark in my Hardware/Device Manager/Display Adapter. No
Monitor icon also.

The temporary solution takes a few steps:
- to disable de display adapter.
- enable the display adapter, and after that the monitor icon magically
shows up.
- click on Control Panel/Display/Settings and it shows 640x480. Adjust it to
1280x1024.
- click on Advanced tab and change the Refresh Rate from 60Hz to 72Hz.

The system works fine until next boot.

I've tried to uninstall the video drivers, install it again, even in safe
mode.
I've tried to uninstall de monitor drivers.
Exchange the video card with other from another computer.
Clean the registry with a video cleaner drivers, and make a new clean
install.
Use the software Registry Mechanic to fix any possible flaw in the windows
registry.
Run sfc /scannow to replace any possible corrupted system dll file.

No success at all, I lost my video configuration every boot, and have the
yellow marked video adapter.

I have to clue how to fix the problem.
I would appreciate any help.

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

Windows XP SP2
Nvidia GeForceMX 440 AGP8X
Monitor Samsung SyncMaster 940b

- The problem: Everytime I boot the computer and it loads windows xp,
there's a yellow mark in my Hardware/Device Manager/Display Adapter. No
Monitor icon also.

The temporary solution takes a few steps:
- to disable de display adapter.
- enable the display adapter, and after that the monitor icon magically
shows up.
- click on Control Panel/Display/Settings and it shows 640x480. Adjust it to
1280x1024.
- click on Advanced tab and change the Refresh Rate from 60Hz to 72Hz.

The system works fine until next boot.

I've tried to uninstall the video drivers, install it again, even in safe
mode.
I've tried to uninstall de monitor drivers.
Exchange the video card with other from another computer.
Clean the registry with a video cleaner drivers, and make a new clean
install.
Use the software Registry Mechanic to fix any possible flaw in the windows
registry.
Run sfc /scannow to replace any possible corrupted system dll file.

No success at all, I lost my video configuration every boot, and have the
yellow marked video adapter.

Uninstall the video card and swap it out for a known-working one. If
this solves the problem, replace the original video card.

Standard caveat: Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out
suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing
yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the
machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local
equivalent of BigStoreUSA). Have all your data backed up before you take
the machine into a shop.


Malke

 

[PRB]

As I related before, I've already tested another video card and the problem
is still the same.

It's a hardware failure only when I boot the machine.
The temporary solution fix it until next boot.

I guess it's a corrupted windows system file.

Thanks anyway.

 

[NotMe]

Is it possible your BIOS battery is getting weak?

 

[Malke]

As I related before, I've already tested another video card and the problem
is still the same.

Quite right, I missed that. My apologies. Perhaps there is a problem
with your motherboard then. If you want to determine conclusively that
it is Windows, you could 1) boot with a rescue system such as Knoppix to
see if the behavior persists in Linux; 2) do a clean install of Windows.

If the behavior disappears with Knoppix or a clean install of Windows,
you know that it was your old Windows installation. If the behavior
persists with Knoppix, etc. then you know the fault probably lies in
your motherboard since you've already swapped out video cards.


Malke

 

[PRB]

The motherboard battery has been tested, and it's ok.
The computer doesn't lose the BIOS configuration, but the problem is only
when loading windows.

Thanks.

 

[PRB]

That's ok, no problem.

Is it possible the problem be with motherboard, but it seems that is a
corrupted file of windows, or maybe some kind of hardware conflict, because
it only occurs when it's loading windows. After that, I do the temporary
fix, and the computer works fine until next boot.

I wish I know all the windows files related with the display driver and
monitor, to replace it with fresh ones.
I even tried to run sfc /scannow, but it hasn't corrected the flaw.

I think that a clean install of windows would fix the problem, but it would
take a lot of hard work to get back my software configuration. I'd better
live with it.

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

That's ok, no problem.

Is it possible the problem be with motherboard, but it seems that is a
corrupted file of windows, or maybe some kind of hardware conflict, because
it only occurs when it's loading windows. After that, I do the temporary
fix, and the computer works fine until next boot.

I wish I know all the windows files related with the display driver and
monitor, to replace it with fresh ones.
I even tried to run sfc /scannow, but it hasn't corrected the flaw.

I think that a clean install of windows would fix the problem, but it would
take a lot of hard work to get back my software configuration. I'd better
live with it.

Actually your conclusion that the problem stems from Windows because the
fix works temporarily is erroneous. Mind you, I'm not saying that
Windows *isn't* at fault because I can't see your computer, but it is
very common for a failing video card to have those symptoms. That's why
I first suggested trying a new card, having missed that you already had.

And that is why I am suggesting you test whether it is the motherboard's
video interface itself (AGP or PCIe) by trying a different operating
system like Linux (Knoppix) or a clean install of Windows.


Malke

 

[PRB]

OK, Malke, let's work on the possible scenario where there's no problem with
the hardware, and a new clean install of Windows isn't attractive. Do you
have any clue to correct the flaw? I understand I'm looking for a deep
solution for an unusual problem, but even pro advice sometimes doesn't
guarantee the best way to fix a computer problem. I remember the time when
it was very common to hear the veredict: "You must format your hard drive.".
It's not the case, and I know from a long time experience to fix software
related problems isn't an easy task to do. But sometimes it's very helpful
to hear another oppinion to point you to another path.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Malke]

OK, Malke, let's work on the possible scenario where there's no problem with
the hardware, and a new clean install of Windows isn't attractive. Do you
have any clue to correct the flaw? I understand I'm looking for a deep
solution for an unusual problem, but even pro advice sometimes doesn't
guarantee the best way to fix a computer problem. I remember the time when
it was very common to hear the veredict: "You must format your hard drive.".
It's not the case, and I know from a long time experience to fix software
related problems isn't an easy task to do. But sometimes it's very helpful
to hear another oppinion to point you to another path.

Sorry, not without seeing your computer. You said you've already
uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers (presumably you are using the
correct ones that you got from either the device mftr.'s website or the
OEM's site if you have that sort of machine) and you've already swapped
out the video card for a known-working one. The only thing I don't see
in this long thread (and admittedly I may have missed it) is where you
answered The First Question Of Troubleshooting: what changed between the
time things worked and the time they didn't? If you can figure out the
answer to that, you might try a System Restore to when things worked.

Otherwise I don't have any other suggestions for you since you seem to
be resistant to at least testing with another operating system (ex.
Knoppix). I'm sorry that I was unable to solve your issue.


Malke

 

[PRB]

Unfortunately the problem isn't recent, but I guess at the time I tried a
System Restore without luck.
As a matter of fact, I though the problem might be related with the Power
Supply, and I replaced it by a Thermaltake power supply. It really solved
other issues, but not that one.

You are right when you say I should try to install another operating system,
or to make a new clean install of Windows, but I just would like to try
every other option before it.

Thank you.

 

[Malke]

Unfortunately the problem isn't recent, but I guess at the time I tried a
System Restore without luck.
As a matter of fact, I though the problem might be related with the Power
Supply, and I replaced it by a Thermaltake power supply. It really solved
other issues, but not that one.

You are right when you say I should try to install another operating system,
or to make a new clean install of Windows, but I just would like to try
every other option before it.

You don't need to install another operating system. That's the beauty of
using Knoppix. Knoppix is a Linux distro that runs from cd, so you can
test your computer without changing anything on your hard drive. Here is
a bit of information about using Knoppix:

To get Knoppix, you need a computer with a fast Internet connection and
third-party burning software. Download the Knoppix .iso and create your
bootable cd. Then boot with it.

http://www.knoppix.net


Malke

 

[PRB]

That's ok, I downloaded the full Knoppix DVD 4,3 GB, burnt it, and boot the
computer from the cd.

I could see there's no hardware problem, and the display was correctly
auto-adjusted at 1280x1024 - 75 Hz.
I even saved the image to show you up:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5894/snapshot2br0.jpg

I also saved images to illustrate atep by step the temporary solution after
every Windows boot:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1166/snapshot3jh4.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8830/snapshot4rm0.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5553/snapshot5lv0.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1633/snapshot6wi9.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9850/snapshot7sh5.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1925/snapshot8yt8.jpg

 

[Malke]

That's ok, I downloaded the full Knoppix DVD 4,3 GB, burnt it, and boot the
computer from the cd.

I could see there's no hardware problem, and the display was correctly
auto-adjusted at 1280x1024 - 75 Hz.
I even saved the image to show you up:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5894/snapshot2br0.jpg

I also saved images to illustrate atep by step the temporary solution after
every Windows boot:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1166/snapshot3jh4.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8830/snapshot4rm0.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5553/snapshot5lv0.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1633/snapshot6wi9.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9850/snapshot7sh5.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1925/snapshot8yt8.jpg

That's OK, I don't need the images. I've seen this issue many times but
it has always meant hardware failure. Since you've apparently ruled this
out, I really am out of ideas for you except for a clean install of
Windows. I'm sorry, but there are some problems that simply can't be
solved without looking at the machine. You always have the option of
having a local computer professional take a look. Very often someone
skilled will be able to diagnose a problem hands-on when someone just
reading about it in a newsgroup will not.

I'm sorry I was unable to solve your problem and I wish you good luck.


Malke

 

[Nightowl]

That's ok, I downloaded the full Knoppix DVD 4,3 GB, burnt it, and boot the
computer from the cd.

I could see there's no hardware problem, and the display was correctly
auto-adjusted at 1280x1024 - 75 Hz.

Hi PRB

This is a long shot, but it's worth a try. . . I'm wondering if remnants
of old installs/previous drivers may be still trying to load at boot
time and causing your problem.

After you've performed your "temporary fix" and got the display working
and set as you want it (be sure Device Manager is closed at this point):

Open a Command window (Start |Run, cmd <enter>) and type:
set devmgr_ show_nonpresent_devices=1 <enter>
then type:
devmgmt.msc <enter> (Device Manager opens up)

[*Important!* Don't close the Command window yet -- the settings will
only persist while the session remains open.]

In Device Manager go to the View Menu and check Show Hidden Devices. Now
have a look and see if there are any extra, greyed-out, "ghost" entries
under Display Adapters. Also scroll down and check whether you might
have a Device Manager category for Unknown Devices (the icon is a big
yellow question mark) -- there could be graphics adapter entries in
there also. If you find any in either place, right-click and Uninstall,
then try rebooting and see if anything's changed.

If you deleted any "ghosts" but the settings are still lost on reboot,
look at the IRQ settings to see what else is using the same resources as
the video card. Perhaps you might be able to swap the other device to a
different slot and force it to use a different IRQ, or change places
with something that won't clash with the video card.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

[PRB]

Malke, thank you to try to help me.

Regards.

 

[PRB]

Hi Nightowl,

Good shot. Although it hasn't solved the problem yet, I guess it narrowed
the source of it.
I will explain what I did.

Following your recomendation I found many old hidden devices, digital
cameras, phones, printers, scanners, and even an unknow video card. Good. I
uninstalled one by one of it, and reboot the computer. No luck, I still have
the same old pproblem.

Next, I uninstalled the video cards and reboot the computer. I made a new
install of the video drivers, reboot, and no changes with the problem.

Then, using msinfo I inspected the IRQs sharing and conflicts of the
computer.
No problem at all, but the video card was sharing the IRQ 19 with an ADAPTEC
SCSI card.
Hummm, maybe I found the villain here!
I unistalled the SCSI card on the control panel, and turned it off.
Then I opened the computer case and I unscrewed it.

New boot, Windows loads, and the problem is still the same!
Msinfo shows no problems with the devices:
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3229/snapshot12zt5.jpg
and
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/9908/snapshot11ps8.jpg

Well, I think the problem it's related with Nvidia Control Panel when
loading Windows.
When the display adapter has the question mark on Device Manager, there's no
Nvidia Control Panel icon on the Control Panel, and there's also no Nvidia
Settings icon on the Windows task bar. After the temporary fix, it show up.
See image:
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/233/snapshot9bu3.jpg

I think somehow there's a sort of conflict in the Windows start up with the
Nvidia Control Panel drivers.
Using Msinfo again, it's impressive the huge quantity of drivers Windows
loads at the start up.
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/7844/snapshot10cq3.jpg

Well, it's an odd situation, because I'm back to the starting point.
At least, now I'm sure where's the problem.
But is still hard to fix it definitely.
I'm opened to hear opinions.

Thanks.

This is a long shot, but it's worth a try. . . I'm wondering if remnants
of old installs/previous drivers may be still trying to load at boot
time and causing your problem.

After you've performed your "temporary fix" and got the display working
and set as you want it (be sure Device Manager is closed at this point):

Open a Command window (Start |Run, cmd <enter>) and type:
set devmgr_ show_nonpresent_devices=1 <enter>
then type:
devmgmt.msc <enter> (Device Manager opens up)

[*Important!* Don't close the Command window yet -- the settings will
only persist while the session remains open.]

In Device Manager go to the View Menu and check Show Hidden Devices. Now
have a look and see if there are any extra, greyed-out, "ghost" entries
under Display Adapters. Also scroll down and check whether you might
have a Device Manager category for Unknown Devices (the icon is a big
yellow question mark) -- there could be graphics adapter entries in
there also. If you find any in either place, right-click and Uninstall,
then try rebooting and see if anything's changed.

If you deleted any "ghosts" but the settings are still lost on reboot,
look at the IRQ settings to see what else is using the same resources as
the video card. Perhaps you might be able to swap the other device to a
different slot and force it to use a different IRQ, or change places
with something that won't clash with the video card.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

[PRB]

UPDATE:

I boot Windows in safe mode.
Device Manager shows the display adapter with no question mark. But it
doesn't show the monitor icon. So display is ok, but no monitor at all.
No signs of Nvidia icon on the Control Panel.

Then I uninstalled the display adapter in safe mode.
Boot Windows again, and installed the video card using the "Add a found new
hardware" auto feature, but using the drivers from a specific folder with
the latest Nvidia drivers.
New boot, and the problem is still the same.

 

[Nightowl]

Well, I think the problem it's related with Nvidia Control Panel when
loading Windows.
When the display adapter has the question mark on Device Manager, there's no
Nvidia Control Panel icon on the Control Panel, and there's also no Nvidia
Settings icon on the Windows task bar. After the temporary fix, it show up.

Hi PRB

Sorry my suggestions didn't solve the problem, but I'm glad you've
managed to discover what the problem is. . .

Earlier in the thread, you mentioned you'd tried a known-working card
from another system with the same results. Was that card an Nvidia too?

I just have a few thoughts on things to check but I'm afraid I'm only
guessing here.

In msconfig (Start | Run | msconfig <enter>) are NvCplDaemon, NvMcTray
(or NvMediaCenter) and Nwiz listed on the Startup tab? In Services
(Start | Run | services.msc <enter>) is Nvidia Display Driver Service
listed and set to Automatic? Some or all of these might not be
necessary/desirable to have running at startup once the system is
working, but I'm trying to establish whether the default settings have
been made correctly.

Did you temporarily disable your background antivirus monitor before
installing the driver? Nvidia say the driver may not configure itself
correctly if you don't. Along the same lines, I'm wondering if perhaps
you might be running an overly-protective security suite or firewall app
that is preventing the driver from loading? The full ZoneAlarm security
suite has an "OS firewall" that might do this, and McAfee is another
suspect. . .

On Nvidia's site the latest ForceWare driver I could find for your card
is 93.71. In the ForceWare Drivers section of the Nvidia forums there
are come complaints of monitors not being detected and being unable to
install monitor drivers with the 93 series drivers. Some have said
reverting to the 91.31 and 84.56 drivers solved it for them. May be
worth a try?

If none of this helps or doesn't apply, maybe the Nvidia forums at
http://forums.nvidia.com might be your best bet. I wish I could help
more; do please let us know how it goes and if you find an answer.

Best of luck,

 

[PRB]

Hi Nightowl,

I would like to thank you for your time and patience trying to solve my
problem.
You are very efficient and covered many possibilities along here.

Sorry my suggestions didn't solve the problem, but I'm glad you've managed
to discover what the problem is. . .

Earlier in the thread, you mentioned you'd tried a known-working card from
another system with the same results. Was that card an Nvidia too?

Yes, it's a Geforce FX 5200.

I just have a few thoughts on things to check but I'm afraid I'm only
guessing here.

In msconfig (Start | Run | msconfig <enter>) are NvCplDaemon, NvMcTray (or
NvMediaCenter) and Nwiz listed on the Startup tab? In Services (Start |
Run | services.msc <enter>) is Nvidia Display Driver Service listed and
set to Automatic? Some or all of these might not be necessary/desirable to
have running at startup once the system is working, but I'm trying to
establish whether the default settings have been made correctly.

Yes, NvCplDaemon, NvMcTray and Nwiz are listed on the Startup tab.
Yes, Nvidia Display Driver Service listed and set to Automatic in Services.

Did you temporarily disable your background antivirus monitor before
installing the driver? Nvidia say the driver may not configure itself
correctly if you don't. Along the same lines, I'm wondering if perhaps you
might be running an overly-protective security suite or firewall app that
is preventing the driver from loading? The full ZoneAlarm security suite
has an "OS firewall" that might do this, and McAfee is another suspect. .
.

Yes, I have installed the drivers in Safe Mode.
I just use Windows SP2 native firewall, and Symantec Corporate antivirus.
Recently I installed AVG anti-spyware but I've already had the problem with
the video drivers.

On Nvidia's site the latest ForceWare driver I could find for your card is
93.71. In the ForceWare Drivers section of the Nvidia forums there are
come complaints of monitors not being detected and being unable to install
monitor drivers with the 93 series drivers. Some have said reverting to
the 91.31 and 84.56 drivers solved it for them. May be worth a try?

I found the 91.31 drivers and installed but with no different result.

If none of this helps or doesn't apply, maybe the Nvidia forums at
http://forums.nvidia.com might be your best bet. I wish I could help more;
do please let us know how it goes and if you find an answer.

Well, I'm a kind of frustrated with the situation, and resignate to live
with it for a while.
I'll take a breath and maybe I'll give a try at Nvidia forum later.

Thanks a lot.