Issue with GeForce GTX 580 + NVIDIA drivers... nvlddmkm.sys error

tariel · 23 Dec 2014

I'm almost at my wits end with this issue, and hoping someone can help me and I can keep this video card.

A few weeks ago while mid-game, I got a BSOD with a nvlddmkm.sys error. The computer would not reboot in normal mode, but would work in safe mode. Using safe mode, I managed to uninstall the drivers. Once they were uninstalled, I could operate in normal mode to reinstall more recent NVIDIA drivers, but once I got them, I would get the BSOD again upon restarting and again the cycle of going into safe mode would begin again.

I've tried everything from pretty much disassembling the computer, downloading all the NVIDIA drivers compatible with the GTX 580, but nothing works. But this BSOD is making me want to toss the damn thing at sea. I'm really trying to avoid buying a new card if I don't have to, but at this point its looking like I might...

Any advice would be appreciated. Will update with the system specs once I get the desktop running again.

(I just realised I probably should have posted this in the Drivers section - please move the thread if necessary!)

Boozad · 23 Dec 2014

First off can you post the dump files from the BSODs by following Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

Second, please fill in your system specs as completely as possible by following the top link in my signature.

We'll go from there once you're done.

tariel · 23 Dec 2014

Updated specs, here is the DM Log:

(Not sure why the GTX isn't coming up in specs? Sorry, I'm not very techy.)

Boozad · 23 Dec 2014

Can you uninstall the card itself via Device Manager, reboot and let Windows install a driver for you. Perform those steps, test and report back.

tariel · 23 Dec 2014

Hm, for some reason the card isn't appearing on device manager. I'm assuming it should appear as GTX 580, but I'm seeing "standard VGA Graphics Adapter". Maybe I should try re-installing the GeForce software?

EDIT: I think the card is fried. I found the old CD that has the basic NVIDIA drivers for the card, clicked on Driver Installation and I get a pop-up saying Access Denied! I think the computer is not reading the GeForce card at all.

Boozad · 24 Dec 2014

Boot into your BIOS and see which graphics outputs are available, it does sound like the card is on its last legs though.

Do you have a spare PCI slot you can try the card in?

tariel · 24 Dec 2014

How can I boot it in BIOS and check that? Sorry, not too techy. I don't have another slot I can access unfortunately :/

Merry Christmas!

essenbe · 24 Dec 2014

Uninstall the card and make sure there is no dust or debris in the pcie slot. Blow it out with a can of compressed air, then reinstall it and make sure the power cables are fully seated on both ends if you have a modular power supply. Download the driver from Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers and install them and see if the card is recognized.

tariel · 24 Dec 2014

essenbe said:

Uninstall the card and make sure there is no dust or debris in the pcie slot. Blow it out with a can of compressed air, then reinstall it and make sure the power cables are fully seated on both ends if you have a modular power supply. Download the driver from Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers and install them and see if the card is recognized.

I tried this several times. When I reinstall after downloading the drivers, I get a blank screen and it'll flash blue for a second and then not launch at all. If I do catch it loading, I can only boot in safe mode.

essenbe · 24 Dec 2014

It sounds like you may well have a bad card. The drivers will not install if they can't 'see' the card. You can try this NVIDIA Drivers - Avoid Problems . If that does not work, try another card in there, I'm sure you have a friend who will help you if you don't have an extra card. That should tell you if it is the card or the motherboard slot.