Windows 7 - nvidia geforce fx 5200

i installed the 96.85 drivers from windows update (tried the .exe from another source, too).
after restating, the system goes up. few seconds later a notification appears in the tray, saying that the driver fails and the screen turns off and on, this happens every few seconds. i go back to the generic driver by booting into safe mode and uninstalling the driver.
what could be the problem? thanks in advance.

The problem is that there's no nVidia Windows 7 driver for the 5200; support ends with Vista. I'm not sure why you're getting it through Windows Update?

However, all is not lost. Go to the folder where you downloaded the driver and right click on it. Select properties, then select the compatibility tab. Place a check mark in the box entitled, "Run this program in compatibility mode for:", and then make sure XP service pack 3 is listed in the box below.

Without knowing which version you're running, this is the closest I can get you: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

i think win update just offers me the vista driver.
i tried running it with xp sp3 compatibility mode but it stopped me in the installation process, saying it's not compatible for this OS.
i tried running it in vista sp2 mode, it installed successfully, but i get the same problem.

what version do you need to know?
win 7 ultimate
build 7600
if that's what you meant.

btw the exact error that appears in the notification area is something like "the windows 2000 miniport driver was terminated and has recovered".

thanks.

32-bit or 64-bit?

my bad, 32.

Had no luck with vista driver on Toshiba P25S507 laptop
Installed xp driver in compatibility mode and all is well
Video gives a 1 on the windows experience rating,but I can run the display @ the proper resolution

you just select win xp sp3 in compatibility mode, with the vista driver?
i tried and it gives me
---------------------------
NVIDIA Setup Error
---------------------------
Setup detected that the operating system in use is not Windows Vista. This setup program and its associated drivers are designed to run only on Windows Vista. The installation will be terminated.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

Right click on the driver and select to run as admin, if you're not already, then try again in XP compatibility mode.

I downloaded the xp driver from Toshiba's website
then installed in compatibility xpsp3 mode
That is what finally worked