Display Problem

[Peter Chatterton]

Under XP SP2, which is being automatically being updated, I have a problem
with some tasks/applications partially refreshing themselves 5 to 10 seconds
after being switched to. This also happens after closing a dialog.
--Device Manager will refresh the tool bar, i.e. blank out the icons and
refresh them without changing the BG.
--Outlook Express will refresh a section of the screen (some or all of
one window, containing the complete lines in that window (either the folders
or subject windows))
--Internet Chess Club, Blitzin 2.5, will refresh a random window most of
the time.
--FreeCell Pro refreshes the whole app.
--Textpad, Explorer, Solitaire, Control Panel behave normally.

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 997 MB, 1152x864, 32 bit color @ 85 Hz
Video card: NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS/GeForce2 Pro (MS Corp)

I did an automatic driver update and the driver changed from
NVIDIA dated 28/07/2003 version 4.5.2.3 from Microsoft Windows Hardware
Compatib
to
Samsung dated 10/02/2004 version 1.0.0.0 from Microsoft Windows Hardware
Compatib
but I've got the same problem.

Thanks for your help,
Peter

 

[Malke]

Peter Chatterton wrote:

(snip)

I did an automatic driver update and the driver changed from
NVIDIA dated 28/07/2003 version 4.5.2.3 from Microsoft Windows
Hardware Compatib to Samsung dated 10/02/2004 version 1.0.0.0
from Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatib

That's your problem right there. *Never* do driver updates from Windows
Update. *Always* get drivers from either the OEM for your specific
model machine (if you have an OEM machine like a Dell, HP, Sony, etc.)
or from the hardware mftr. - Nvidia in your case. You usually never
have to mess around with monitor drivers - your video card drivers are
all you need unless your monitor is brand new and perhaps has modes
that Windows wouldn't know about.

In addition, unless you need updated video/sound drivers for a new game,
it is better to just leave the drivers alone. With drivers, the old
maxim of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is the best policy.

So roll back your drivers to the previous ones that worked:
How to Roll Back a Device Driver - http://tinyurl.com/86yb6

When doing Windows Updates, it is better to set the Automatic Update
options to "download automatically and inform me when updates are
ready". Then when you see the yellow shield's "Updates are ready",
click on the shield to bring up the updating window. Change from the
Express option to the Custom option. This way you'll see what updates
are available. Definitely install all security updates but if you see
driver updates, uncheck them. After you click Next, you'll get a box
allowing you to choose not to be bothered with those particular updates
again. Say "yes" and you won't get the driver updates any more.

Malke

 

[Peter Chatterton]

I didn't update the driver from Windows Update, but from the Hardware Update
Wizard with the 'Install software automatically' option.

Unfortunately I can't roll back the driver.

Also unfortunately, I'm can't find the CD that came with the monitor.

The only thing I can think of is getting the driver that came with XP.
But if the monitor doesn't work, will I be able to roll it back without
doing something
special now?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[Malke]

I didn't update the driver from Windows Update, but from the Hardware
Update Wizard with the 'Install software automatically' option.

Unfortunately I can't roll back the driver.

Also unfortunately, I'm can't find the CD that came with the monitor.

The only thing I can think of is getting the driver that came with XP.
But if the monitor doesn't work, will I be able to roll it back
without doing something
special now?

Then go into Safe Mode and do a System Restore to before you installed
Microsoft updates to your drivers. Again, unless your monitor is
brand-new and you have an odd native resolution you don't need to
install monitor drivers. Monitor drivers are usually only an .inf file
with the supported modes anyway.

You need to get the drivers for your *video* card. Either:

1. Roll back the *video* driver to the one that worked - you didn't say
why you couldn't but if you can't see the other options below.
2. Do a System Restore to before you updated the drivers
3. Uninstall the video card and then reinstall it. Have the correct
drivers on-hand. As I said, either get the drivers from your OEM if you
have that sort of machine OR go to www.nvidia.com and download the
drivers for your card there.

Malke