No Windows explorer after installing graphics driver on new SSD

[juncie]

Hey Seven Forums!
I have recently purchased a Samsung Pro 840 128GB SSD drive. I managed to install Windows 7 Ultimate x64 fine without any troubles. After installing my motherboard drivers, I tried to install my graphics card drivers. This is where the problem is. After the install and restart of my PC, I get no explorer showing at all. No desktop icons, no taskbar, nothing! The only thing I get is the desktop background. I can hear Skype loading up in the background so I know that the PC hasn't froze on me.

I am able to run the PC in safe mode perfectly fine. Also, when I press CTRL+ALT+DEL the screen just changes to black and stays black. I can arrow down 4 clicks and hit enter to try and open the task manager but nothing appears.

Normally I can troubleshoot most problems by googling them however I can't seem to find any incident of this online. Here's what I've tried so far;

• Completely reinstalling Windows 7
• Trying both the latest and beta drivers for my AMD Radeon HD6950.
• Making sure that the Shell in regedit is set to explorer.exe in Safe Mode

Thanks for any advice that you can give.

Regards,

Juncie.

 

[TVeblen]

Hello juncie. Welcome to the forum.

You say you reinstalled Windows after the first incident. Did the problem occur at the exact same place in the procedure? Immediately after installing the Graphics Drivers?

Is the SSD the only component you replaced? The video card is the same as before SSD?

 

[juncie]

Hello juncie. Welcome to the forum.

You say you reinstalled Windows after the first incident. Did the problem occur at the exact same place in the procedure? Immediately after installing the Graphics Drivers?

Is the SSD the only component you replaced? The video card is the same as before SSD?

Yep, it occured at the exact same place and time - whenever I stalled the graphics drivers.

I've just been out and got a replacement SSD and the same thing is happening in the very same place. I managed to narrow it down to being exactly my AMD display driver. I can install everything and the have the PC run as normal, apart from the AMD display driver. As soon as I tick that box (see image below), install and restart my computer I just get the blank desktop.

Like I said; I've tried old, new and beta AMD drivers and call give me the same result. Even tried installing the drivers on my HDD and had the same problems.

Regards,

Juncie.

 

[TVeblen]

It sounds to me like the video card has failed.
I know that sounds weird, since the card was working previously, but going by what you have said you have done and tried it is all that is left.

Sometimes a card will run just fine on basic settings and a generic driver (like BIOS or Safe Mode), but the AMD driver engages some component of the card that is the failing component.

You could try and think of anything you did or changed that might explain why this would happen now. A static shock while inside the case? A BIOS setting change from previous? Recheck all you connections: make sure the power connectors are snug and tight.

When you try the different graphics drivers, are you performing a clean installation each time?

Is the old hard drive connected along with the new SSD? What happens if you disconnect it?

Try the Video card in another slot, or see if you can borrow a different card to test with.

I can think of no reason why the SSD itself would cause your symptoms.

 

[juncie]

It sounds to me like the video card has failed.
I know that sounds weird, since the card was working previously, but going by what you have said you have done and tried it is all that is left.

Sometimes a card will run just fine on basic settings and a generic driver (like BIOS or Safe Mode), but the AMD driver engages some component of the card that is the failing component.

You could try and think of anything you did or changed that might explain why this would happen now. A static shock while inside the case? A BIOS setting change from previous? Recheck all you connections: make sure the power connectors are snug and tight.

When you try the different graphics drivers, are you performing a clean installation each time?

Is the old hard drive connected along with the new SSD? What happens if you disconnect it?

Try the Video card in another slot, or see if you can borrow a different card to test with.

I can think of no reason why the SSD itself would cause your symptoms.

[SOLVED]

Sorry for the late reply, have been moving around a bit these past few days.

Anyway, I tried my graphics card in a different PCI port on my motherboard and instantly I had high hopes as I could actually change the resolution! Installed the drivers and voila it worked!! Whats funny is I put it back in the old PCI slot and it worked fine. Must've just been a bad connection.

Thanks for your help!

Juncie.

 

[TVeblen]

Yes, this is actually a common problem and solution. Glad it worked for you. I should remember to mention re-seating the card right off the bat!