NVIDIA Driver Issue

[mikegc]

Occasionally (but getting more frequent) my screen flickers, recovers and I received the following message: "Display driver stopped responding & has recovered. Display driver NVIDIA Windows Kernal Mode Driver, Version 295.73 stopped responding & has successfully recovered."

I've updated my drivers but, apparently, not the right one. Any suggestions about how to fix my Dell XPS L501X.

Thanks, in advance, for your consideration.

Mike

 

[kegobeer]

Have you downloaded the latest drivers available from Dell?

 

[mikegc]

Have you downloaded the latest drivers available from Dell?

Yes, Kegobeer, that's the first place I went. I have Driverboost, a program that updates drivers, and used that, too. I should have put this in my original post. Sorry.

Mike

 

[kegobeer]

Don't use any third party applications to find and update drivers. They pretty much always cause more trouble than they are worth. This is especially true when dealing with notebooks, because quite often reference drivers (like those from Intel, nVidia, etc) don't work as expected because notebook manufacturers sometimes tweak the hardware, requiring you to use their (Dell, HP, etc) drivers.

Are there any other updates for your computer, available from Dell? Is your laptop dirty/vents clogged/etc?

 

[mikegc]

Okay, Kegobeer, I just killed the Driverboost program and took another look at Dell's site. I found several recommended update, including one from nVidia. I downloaded all of them. I'm just waiting, now, to see if the problem happens again.

My machine is clean as a pin. I make sure it gets cleaned once a week. The fan vent is good.

Thanks for your help! I'll let you know if these update help.

Thanks, again,

Mike

 

[mikegc]

I had three incidents yesterday prior to doing Dell drive updates. I shut the computer down last night around 10:00 PM and cranked it back up a 4:30 AM. So far, I've not had any problems.

Mike

 

[mikegc]

Well, shoot, it did it again but it's only happened once since the updates. Any other suggestions?

Mike

 

[Ales290]

My friend had the same issue and it turned out to be his Ram going out and suddenly his ram chip fried his cpu from this experience i would recommend physically testing your computer hardware unless you manage to fix it.

 

[smarteyeball]

I've updated my drivers but, apparently, not the right one. Any suggestions about how to fix my Dell XPS L501X.

These drivers?
NVIDIA DRIVERS 301.42WHQL

 

[Mintos45]

Control Panel>Uninstall Program>Uninstall PhysX and 3D Vision.
This uninstalls all the extra drivers.
Reboot>Enter Safe Mode (I assume you know how to enter safe mode).
Start>Device Manager>Right Click Display Adapters>Uninstall.
Remember to keep the box "delete driver software" unchecked.
Reboot - Wait for Windows to recognize the video card.
Reboot again and reinstall 301.42 (or the latest driver that supports your card).

Hopefully it shouldn't crash again, it worked for me.

 

[Ascendents]

Might wanna try doing a Clean install with Driver Sweeper It doesn't say but when you run driver sweeper make sure you are in safe mode and run it as ADMIN http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/83814-drivers-clean-left-over-files-after-uninstalling.html

 

[mikegc]

This morning, I did due diligence with my malware/anti-virus programs along with a back-up and new System Restore point. Before doing Mintos45's and Smarteyeball's suggestions, I called Dell just for kicks. The gentleman I spoke to was familiar with the problem. He ran Window Fix-it and found two issues. Next, he looked at my driver updates and said all was well there. Finally, he went to nVidia and downloaded two drivers from them. A few more tests were run and all was deemed to be okay. Two hours later, he called back to see if any problems had occurred. All was well, at that point (and continues to be fine). He said, "Since the problem has been intermittent, I'll call Friday around 11:00 AM to check on you."

By the way, he got rid of some of the unneeded drivers. So far, so good. I appreciate your help and will keep you posted.

Mike

 

[Mintos45]

Alright, have fun.

 

[mikegc]

Alright, have fun.

I dunno . . . the jury is still out. Yesterday, I had no problems at work. When I got home, however, I got the black screen twice within an hour. I went back to the previously installe nVidia drive, uninstalled, rebooted and reinstalled. I rebooted again and used it until around 11:00 PM with no issues. We'll see . . . .

Mike

 

[mikegc]

My XPS has been running flawlessly so I think I'm good. Many, many thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[mikegc]

Solved NVIDIA Driver Issue

Well, it's ba-a-a-a-ck. I got the same nVidia Windows Kernal mode driver 295.73 error message this morning. The Dell tech who helped me last week called Friday to check on the "fix." At that time, it was fine. He sent me an e-mail to keep with all the information saying, if the problem returned, reply to it and he'd contact me. I think I'm going to try that.

Mike

 

[Mintos45]

Talking to the technician USUALLY solves things... If not, you'll have to keep searching. Good lucky though.

 

[mikegc]

Yes, Mintos, I think you're right about being lucky. By the way, the Dell tech initiated your suggestion by removing some of the drivers. Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Mike

 

[Mintos45]

Well if it all doesnt work out, you can try downloading the druver AGAIN, then go to safe mode and uninstall your vid card drivers. If you have driver sweeper then go to driver sweeper, check the boxes 'NVIDIA PHYSX, NVIDIA chipset' and one other nvidia box which i forgot.
Keep us posted on your progress, hopefully the tech can fix it once and for all

Edit: If the techie fixes it, record the steps and post em back here, I dont think youre the only one with this problem.

 

[mikegc]

Well if it all doesnt work out, you can try downloading the druver AGAIN, then go to safe mode and uninstall your vid card drivers. If you have driver sweeper then go to driver sweeper, check the boxes 'NVIDIA PHYSX, NVIDIA chipset' and one other nvidia box which i forgot.
Keep us posted on your progress, hopefully the tech can fix it once and for all

Edit: If the techie fixes it, record the steps and post em back here, I dont think youre the only one with this problem.

Thank you, Mintos, I'll darn sure keep this in mind and will let you know how it goes.

Mike