Nvidia driver? is stalling boot at "Starting Windows" screen

kos277 · 21 Feb 2012

Hi guys!
I'm really in desperate need of more heads to work on this.

I know this is a long post, but it's basically info you're gonna need anyways. Please i need the help - If you don't feel like reading, Just skim over the underlined titles..

I have been trying all sorts of things, since this problem started, yesterday .. And my head feels like it's splitting from all this trial and error, and continuously not working.
I'd consider myself a fairly experienced user, and I've figured out some things already (just not enought to fix) so it should not be too hard helping me - i just hope any of you have any thoughts on this problem. I will do my best to explain every important detail, as well as possible

My specs:
Acer Aspire 5920G
Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
Intel core 2 Duo processor T5550 1.83 GHz
4 gb ram
Laptop
- Connected to Samsung Monitor (might/might not? have something to do with it)

So the story goes: Yesterday afternoon i installed the game "Borderlands". Everything went smooth and started playing it. Without problems i started singleplayer and watched the first cutscenes, HOWEVER right after as i could interact (gamewise) it just froze, and stuttered really, really badly.. That went on for 3 mins or so, while i could not do anything to stop it. Before i did a hard shutdown myself, the computer just restarted.

The actual problem: I get stuck on the "Starting windows" logo/screen

..to expand on this, the logo moves as normally for a while, but then it stops. Nothing more happens. If i wait for a while, the computer ends up restarting itself.

SO: There are two things I've been able to do, which are:

- Safe mode
- Start with last working config (Not correctly written, but you know what i mean)

I have not been able to get much use out of safe mode, but now you know that's an option.

"Last working configuration" - As i could boot into windows with this option, I expected the computer to work afterwards..... right?? But no, at restart it does the same thing all over again.

Observations:

- When i get into windows through "last working config", it automatically starts installing "Video controller (vga compatible) " and afterwards installs "Nvidia Geforce 8600M GS"
- Problem still persists afterwards

- When i go into my display options/resolution, Display Device is "1. Default Monitor on"

- If i stop the automatic installation of "Nvidia Geforce 8600M GS", (or just uninstall it) and restart afterwards i can boot normally into the computer.

- If i re-install the latest drivers for the Geforce card - guess what

It's stuck on "starting windows" again *sigh*

- I have been trying to update my "intel chipset PM965" driver, because it seems to be malfunctioning, but the latest version of the driver is telling me "this system does not meet the requirements"

My brain is honestly falling apart from working on this problem for i dont know how many hours straight... So im sure i have left out some things for now, but im sure this is sufficient information to describe my problem for you guys. I will expand info if possible, as necessary

andrewcarroll · 21 Feb 2012

The first simple thing you can do is take out your graphics card and check for any signs of damage,
I have blown a 6200 and a 8400 before trying to play games not compatible with them. Signs to look for a black marks and such, also check to see if the fan spins when the computer starts up. Try moving your video cable to the onboard graphics, system should work and if it does you need a new graphics card, dont feel bad, your not a gamer till you blow a nividia card :)

Gromit1710 · 21 Feb 2012

If I was in your shoes, I would chase the broken graphics card trail. Perhaps it fried, malfunctioned or just gave up the ghost. If it was chugging through a GPU heavy task like a cutscene from a game, it could have been just what it needed to pop a circuit.

My first (and only so far) casualty was an Nvidia 8400 when Crysis first came out. After about 2 hrs, the screen turned into a bunch of vertical lines..

.

kos277 · 21 Feb 2012

Dammit.. you really think so? Weird thing is, im still able to be on the computer as i am right now. Without lines, or anything. However right as i start the computer, the manifacturer logo (or what ya call it), is messed up with vertical miscolored chunks..

But that was the only "visually damaged" part, so i thought it was still good. *hopeful*
Does this mean anything?

Btw, i still havent tried updating my BIOS, which i considered worth a try.. But haven't been too sure, whether it's safe to do or not.
Cuz, I have linux installed on a second partition as dual boot.. and don't know if that could conflict with updating it ._.

Ah i'm gonna head to a well needed rest, after all this.. I will check the graphics card for any visual signs of damage tomorrow, and make sure to post any new info :) Thanks for the help so far guys, i really appreciate it! Hopefully this will all end well..