nvidia driver headaches

[Guest]

I've posted this under the hardware section, but since this is a software
issue, I'll try here as well:

I have a GeForce 3 Ti 200, and I'm trying desperately to
update my drivers for this thing (some of my newer games
are crashing on me). Right now I'm running driver version
44.03. Every time I try to update the drivers to a more
recent version -- ANY more recent version, and my computer
locks up. But it locks up in different ways.

Example: I tried to install the 53.03 drivers, and
everything goes fine. The install runs all the way
through, and I restart my computer at the end. Windows
freezes on the Windows XP Cylon logo screen. Power on/off
leads to the "safe mode" prompt (trying to start windows
in "normal mode" leads to the freeze up again). Then I
roll back the drivers or do a system restore, and I'm back
to square one.

When installing 52.16, I don't even make it through the
install. About 3/4 of the way through the install, the
screen goes black and I get a flashing cursor in the upper
left of my screen. After a half hour or so I realize the
computer isn't coming back, and I reboot/safe mode/roll
back all over again.

I run into similar problems with 45.33 also.

I've tried everything I know how to do. I've turned off
my antivirus and firewall. I've uninstalled the previous
drivers, I've uninstalled directx. Nothing seems to
work. Does anyone out there have a clue what is going on
with my machine, or is it time to buy a radeon?

Specs: XP Home/AthlonXP1800/AsusA7V266-E/512MB RAM/120GB
HD/Audigy Gamer.

 

[purplehaz]

What version of Direct X are you running? If it's DX9, try going back to
DX8. I have an unistall utility for DX9 if you need it. I've seen similar
probs with nvidia and ati. If the card doesn't directly support DX9 go back
to DX8. Stopped freezing on every machine I went back on.

 

[Guest]

I'm running DX9. I could roll it back to DX8, but then how would I play
Max Payne 2? Or Tiger Woods 2004? I'd rather buy a new card than
have to use my precious games as coasters.

If a video card is not DX9 compatible, does that mean I cannot run
games that require DX 9 on it?

 

[purplehaz]

Do those games require DX9 or do they just support it or recommend it? If
the new games absolutely have to have DX9 then a new card might be something
to look into. I do alot of gaming and I have yet to see a game that will
only run on dx9, but you never know.
The card will probably never say it isn't compatable with DX9, they will say
they support DX8, but works with DX9. I just got a ATI 9200 and that what it
says on the box. Meaning that during their testing the card performed as
expected using DX9. They only say supports DX8 cause most likely DX9 was not
even out at the time they developed the cards chipset, so bascily the card
wasn't written for DX9, it was written for DX8, but with DX9 in mind. This
does not mean that DX9 and DX9 games will not work, it just means its not
supported. Basicly it might work or it might not. They guarantee it works
with what it supports, which would be DX8. (hope that makes sense).
My ati 9200 was freezing in every game with DX9 installed. Went back to
DX8.1 and the games never froze again. This was with the current games I'm
playing: Star Wars Jedi Knight II, Sim City 4, and NFS 6 Hot pursuit 2. Not
the latest games out, but fairly new.

 

[Guest]

Yeah, the games require DX9.

Thanks for the explanation. It makes total sense now.

 

[purplehaz]

Wow, I can't believe the games require DX9, especially when only a hand full
of cards fully support it. Seems like the game author is limiting their
customers, but what can you do.
You're welcome.