Graphics Drivers break Windows?

[dkplayaclub]

Yesterday I was watching a movie when my whole computer froze up. When I tried to restart I could not boot into windows. After hours of tinkering, I decided to just wipe the drive and install Windows fresh. This worked just great. I started running windows update and after a few restarts, I got the same issue.
After reinstalling windows fresh about 4 times and reinstalling all my software one piece at a time I have pinpointed the issue. Its the video card drivers.

I don't have any issues with any other software, but as soon as I try to install ANY graphics card drivers, windows will not boot. It will show the loading screen, then the screen just goes black and tells me no signal. Restoring my system will fix it, but I can't play any games or even get full resolution like this. Everything worked before, and I can't find any issue with the hardware, so I am a bit baffled.

 

[Berton]

Nothing is told about the computer itself. Is the graphics adapter on the motherboard or is it an add-in card? Make and Model of both computer and adapter?

 

[dkplayaclub]

I am using an Nvidia GeForce 460GTX. The computer is a custom build, so no model number.
The thing I find odd is that it all worked great for a LONG time and nothing changed as far as I know. One crash and now this problem....

 

[dkplayaclub]

I don't even know where to start, honestly. Any info you need, just let me know. This is really frustrating.

 

[dkplayaclub]

Can't seem to find anything on the web that helps with my problem. Could I test the card somehow by putting it into another computer? Would there be driver issues?

 

[Berton]

The computer is a custom build, so no model number

There's always a make and model number of the motherboard. Try the free Belarc Advisor.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Yes, you could test the card in a different computer but you should obtain the drivers for that version of Windows although there may be drivers in that version of Windows.

 

[dkplayaclub]

Looks like the 460 is shot. What a shame. Bought it used only a few months ago. No warranty.

 

[Nostromov]

Looks like the 460 is shot.

Your CPU has teh on-die graphics, right?.. So you can (still) run joor box, right? o.0

(Just a reminder, just in case )

 

[dkplayaclub]

Not sure what you mean Nostromov, but yeah I can run my PC with the card if I have to. I just can't play games or do other video intensive stuff. Running an older card for now, until I can put aside a little bit of cash.
Thinking of buying a 760 for a pretty nice upgrade, but still wondering if I can get this 460 refurbished or something. I hate wasting something that still has value.

 

[Nostromov]

Since you listed your OS as Windows 7 Ultimate x64, I was guessing that you might have a CPU with on-board graphics.. That's all. =)