Frequent Restarting, Occasional BSOD, Trouble Booting Normally

[CheeseJam]

I am really having trouble here. Almost every way I am trying to install the latest driver isn't working. I was installing one, and my computer restarted mid install. I really don't know what to do or where to find the latest driver.

 

[Arc]

the main problem here to decide what is the main problem, that is the computer is running two versions of atikmpag.sys.

Info about the integrated graphics .....

ITEM|VALUE
Name | Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
Adapter Type | Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. compatible
Driver | c:\windows\system32\drivers\ atikmpag.sys (8.14.1.6257, 321.00 KB (328,704 bytes), 2/19/2013 3:59 PM)

The integrated intel HD graphics driver should be igdkmd64.sys; logically.

Info about the dedicated graphics .....

ITEM|VALUE
Name | AMD Radeon HD 6750M
Adapter Type | ATI display adapter (0x6741), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. compatible
Driver | c:\windows\system32\drivers\ atikmpag.sys (8.14.1.6257, 321.00 KB (328,704 bytes), 2/19/2013 3:59 PM)

So we can see that both the display adapters are running on the ATI display driver. Now we are seeing that it is atikmpag.sys that is failing; and in the given situation it is difficult to determine which one is actually failing ... the dedicated graphics or the integrated graphics.

If it is the dedicated graphics that is failing, it is not a very big deal. Changing the GPU will work it out. But if it is the integrated graphics, it is too bad. The integrated graphics is a component of the motherboard. So it will be addressed as a failing motherboard.

Laptops usually use OEM licenses. Those are tagged with the motherboard. If the motherboard is gone, the license is gone, too.

What I can suggest you to take the computer to a servicing center. If it is within warranty (as the age of the computer is still less than two years), you will get free servicing and free replacement, if needed. Even if the warranty is over, you have to pay a charge to them, to get the servicing or having the parts replaced. But the situation will remain under control.

I would suggest you to take it to a Samsung Servicing center.

 

[CheeseJam]

It is definitely my dedicated graphics card. That isn't always replaceable/upgradeable in a laptop is it? I guess a computer repair shop is my next option, thanks guys.

 

[gregrocker]

If the PC is less than a year old it's still under warranty and manufacturer will replace or repair it for you. Call or chat their Tech Support to set that up.

 

[CheeseJam]

I've had it about a year and a half :/.

 

[gregrocker]

Then you'll need to weigh if having the video card available is worth the expense to you to repair or replace it, providing you can't get any driver to be stable.

Just to be sure I'd first do a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 as research on your crash indicates it can also result from the OS being corrupted. If you still have factory preinstalled Win7 that is also the worst possible install one can have. You should have pure Win7 not ruined by the factory crapware.

There's a decent chance if you follow the steps closely - especially how to handle drivers in Win7 - that the problem may resolve itself that way.

Otherwise I would probably run it with only the onboard video enabled unless I really need the card and then consider the cost of replacing it.

 

[CheeseJam]

I definitely need a dedicated graphics card for running my CAD programs at work (and my games too!). I might just get a better graphics card if possible.

Thanks for all of your help. I think I will try a clean install this weekend first. I can keep all of my data when doing this, correct?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, back all data up first, make your Recovery media as shown in your Manual on the Support Downloads webpage for your PC, so you can delete all partitions before install.

All of this is in the tutorial. You should stick closely to the steps to assure a perfect baseline reinstall which is the point of the operation.

Note the Special Note to Samsung Owners at the end. Only if Windows Updates doesn't provide the driver for Fkey function and any illumination would I install Easy Display manager.

After enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3)
run all rounds of Updates with reboots, going back to check for more. Then import from the Samsung Downloads webpage for your model only drivers which are still missing. Run for awhile to see if the drivers provide all functions needed, and only import additional software like Easy Display if a function or feature is missing.