Desktop Windows Manager stopped working after restart, other problems

[Dude]

blue4fun,

Please list the model number of your system. Fill in your system specs with this link

:ar: System Specs


You currently show a Alienware (Dell) laptop that may use optimus technology. If this is the case, you need specific drivers from Dell (alienware) , not Intel and you have options in your Nvidia control panel and BIOS to make certain settings.

 

[blue4fun]

Type Nvidia in Start Search box, Check if you have switchable graphics in the Nvidia Control Panel.

Otherwise on Dells with an onboard GPU chip where a video card has been added, there may be a setting in BIOS setup accessed by rebooting and tapping the key given on first screen, usually F1 or F2.

Okay, all it said was
Integrated Graphics: Intel Ivy Bridge
Discrete Graphics: NVIDIA GT

 

[gregrocker]

There should be a way to select one of these.

Can you post back a camera snap of the BIOS listing: Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums - Windows 7 Forums

Or a screenshot using the Snipping Tool of the Nvidia Control Panel's listing.

 

[Dude]

Here is a link from HTG that has info on Nvidia optimus.

:ar: Nvidia Optimus HTG

 

[blue4fun]

There should be a way to select one of these.

Can you post back a camera snap of the BIOS listing: Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums - Windows 7 Forums

Or a screenshot using the Snipping Tool of the Nvidia Control Panel's listing.

Okay, I got one of the BIOS listing. Sorry, it's not the best quality.

 

[Dude]

blue4fun, Download the Nvidia driver from here Product Support for Alienware M14x R2 | Dell US



I can not see the bios version on your screen shot, as there are a new versions available. Make sure you have all off the updated drivers from the link.

 

[gregrocker]

How about in the Nvidia Control Panel? Is there a way to select Intel or Nvidia?

 

[blue4fun]

How about in the Nvidia Control Panel? Is there a way to select Intel or Nvidia?

Only for certain programs. I think my laptop has Optimus technology as Dude suggested.

 

[blue4fun]

blue4fun, Download the Nvidia driver from here Product Support for Alienware M14x R2 | Dell US

View attachment 269825

I can not see the bios version on your screen shot, as there are a new versions available. Make sure you have all off the updated drivers from the link.

I believe that is where I normally got my drivers but before the problem happened I was directed elsewhere. Do I need to do a system restore before I install or can I just do a clean install?
If you couldn't see the BIOS version, it's A12.

 

[Dude]

blue4fun, that is the latest BIOS. I would use the link from Gregrocker in post number 9 for a clean install. I have been looking around and it seems that your BIOS does not allow disabling optimus.



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[gregrocker]

It appears that Optimus is part of the Nvidia graphics driver available on the Dell Support Downloads webpage. Optimus Technology

I see no other software for enabling it after reinstall, although the Dell-provided Intel chipset might be needed after trying the ones Win7 wants from installer and Windows Updates. Be sure to enable Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware (Step 3) before running all rounds of Important and Optional Updates with reboots.

Make sure the Dell Downloads model page Dude linked matches your tag number for specificity and if not reinput your tag number on the Driver downloads page. Product Support for Alienware M14x R2 | Dell US

 

[blue4fun]

blue4fun, that is the latest BIOS. I would use the link from Gregrocker in post number 9 for a clean install. I have been looking around and it seems that your BIOS does not allow disabling optimus.



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

So I have to do a factory reinstall of my whole Windows 7? I just meant a clean install of the NVIDIA graphics driver because there is an option to do that.

 

[Dude]

blue4fun, try the clean install for nvidia and see if it helps.

 

[blue4fun]

blue4fun, try the clean install for nvidia and see if it helps.

It had me restart twice, and the first time, in between installations, it was fixed. I was prompted for a restart a second time, and after that the problem still occurred.

EDIT: I had another NVIDIA update, something with GeForce, and it again works in between restarts. I'm afraid to restart it just in case the problem comes up again, so I guess I'm just waiting for my laptop to restart on it's own. I really don't want to turn it on and DWM's not working.

 

[Dude]

Let us know, I hope the update solved it.

 

[gregrocker]

If the Nvidia Update continues to cause problems try rolling back to the last working driver

Try also disabling Nvidia software from starting with Windows in msconfig>Startup and >Services tabs after Hiding all MS Services. However it may need to be running due to Optimus. Try it and see.