Windows 7: "NVIDIA Kernel Mode Driver Version 186.75"

I just bought a new desktop and within the first hour I had an error message that said, "Display driver has stopped responding and has recovered. Display driver NVIDIA kernel mode driver version 186.75 stopped responding and has successfully restored". What the heck is this? Could this be related to Windows 7 and would anyone happen to have any suggestions? What happens is the screen goes black for about two seconds then appears with the above error message on the task bar. This happens very randomly, and maybe three to six times a day (had my computer for about two weeks). Also, two times now it has gone black and not come back! Just a little frustrated to say the least. Thank you anyone!

Can you fill in your hardware specs and then use the guide in my sig to update your gpu and other drivers?

Update your driver.

Sorry "seekermeister" and "Frostmourne", I have a technical background, just not in computers. I had someone in "tech support" from the computer company walk me through what I believe was reinstalling my driver. I do not believe I updated it. What would this entail, simply downloading the latest version? And if so, what are the potential problems to look for? Thank you again, I'd like to get this behind me. Thanks.

The guide in my sig has the details but essentially you:

1) Find out your GPU using HWInfo32.

2) Get the latest WHQL driver for Windows 7 from the manufacturer.

3) Uninstall your old drivers in the control panel and keep a copy of them if you have one. Then reboot into safe mode and run driver sweeper.

4) Reboot back into safe mode and install the newest driver. Use the normal Windows startup if you receive a message saying no video adapter or something similar is found.

Nvidia download wizard:

Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers

When you run Driver Sweeper, if it lists anything regarding VGA, DON'T TOUCH IT!

Driver Sweeper Download

http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D--...load-1655.html

HWInfo32 download

http://www.hwinfo.com/

I've got another way to at least get around the NVIDIA graphics driver failure.

Use Windows Classic mode in the graphics properties. (right click on screen to adjust. note - Windows Classic mode is listed off the bottom of the screen.)