NVIDIA Drivers - Avoid Problems

How to Avoid NVIDIA Driver Problems​

   Information

This tutorial will show you how to do a clean install of NVIDIA graphics drivers for those having problems with the drivers.

Here's How:

1. Download the driver you want to install from your computer manufacturer or from NVIDIA.com.
See also: http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-cards/602-latest-nvidia-forceware-video-drivers-windows-7-a.html
2. The first thing to do is open Windows updates, in the left column click change settings, in the drop down box select check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them. The purpose of this is to keep Windows update from automatically installing a driver. We do not want conflicts with drivers.

3. Next go to your "C" dive and there should be a folder named Nvidia.

4. Open the folder and you will find a folder named 'Display Drivers', inside that folder will be all the drivers you have installed designated by number.

5. Delete all of the folders with numbers but Do Not delete the Display Driver Folder itself.

6. Next go to Control Panel (category View) and Uninstall a Program

7. Scroll down to the Nvidia drivers and begin to uninstall them but read the info box below before you start.

   Information

If you have an Nvidia chipset, DO NOT uninstall the chipset driver only the Display drivers. Also, uninstall all of the display type drivers but BE SURE TO UNINSTALL THE GRAPHICS DRIVER LAST.

8. When you uninstall the Graphics driver, Windows will request a reboot, do so. Upon reboot Windows will install a graphics adapter, that is good.

9. Open the new driver you downloaded, agree to terms and select custom install. Under custom install uncheck everything except the Graphics driver, PhysX and GeForce experience, if you want that. Be sure the 'CLEAN INSTALL' box is checked

10. Your set up should look like this.

11. Click next and begin the installation, after which you will reboot. This should give you a clean install of your drivers. You can now re set Windows Update to your preferred setting, as you are through.

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Add or Remove "NVIDIA Control Panel" from Desktop Context Menu
• How to Add or Remove NVIDIA Taskbar Notification Area Icon in Windows
• Help Diagnose Graphics Card Problems

 

[Computer0304]

There were motherboards from Nvidia a few years ago called nForce.

 

[essenbe]

There were motherboards from Nvidia a few years ago called nForce.

I know, that's why that is in there.

 

[Britton30]

Great job but

" If you have an Nvidia chipset, DO NOT uninstall the chipset driver only the Display drivers. Also, uninstall all of the display type drivers but BE SURE TO UNINSTALL THE GRAPHICS DRIVER LAST."

is slightly ambiguous. Which ones are Display drivers compared to the shipset drivers?

Read step number 4 again.

 

[Roderunner]

Hi essenbe,
My pc uses Nvidia yet there is NO folder in the root of C:drive.

 

[Britton30]

Try in Program files or Program files(X86), maybe both.

 

[Roderunner]

Try in Program files or Program files(X86), maybe both.

I did. There are no entries as in tutorial image.

 

[Britton30]

Odd, here's what mine has. I don't have one in root of C:\.

 

[Boozad]

Funnily enough I was looking for my NVIDIA folder yesterday and couldn't find it anywhere.

 

[essenbe]

It is usually in C:/Nvidia like Britton30 said above. I have heard of some people where it is not there. When you install drivers does the drivers tell you where it installs itself?

 

[Roderunner]

Here's mine:-

 

[derekimo]

Anyone using Ccleaner? There is an option in applications for Nvidia installation files.

I was wondering where my C:\Nvidia folder went a while back and noticed that option in Ccleaner.

That being said, I do have an Nvidia folder in program files.

 

[Britton30]

I see that Derek, under Utilities/NVIDIA Install files.

 

[essenbe]

Also, some times Windows Update will have an Nvidia Driver, I believe it will uninstall the C:/Nvidia folder and the current driver will probably be in Windows Updates or wherever Windows installs drivers. I have my Windows update set like the tutorial suggests all the time and will usually not install hardware updates but go find one that is more current. Don't tell Greg.

 

[Boozad]

Anyone using Ccleaner? There is an option in applications for Nvidia installation files.

I was wondering where my C:\Nvidia folder went a while back and noticed that option in Ccleaner.

That being said, I do have an Nvidia folder in program files.

Yep, last run a couple of days ago so that could explain what happened to mine. I did notice it in CCleaner as well but thought nothing of it. You're solving all of my puzzles today Derek!

 

[essenbe]

Derek is that kind of guy.

 

[Roderunner]

Here's my Nvidia history.
WU offered an update that was older than the then version from Nvidia. I uninstalled all of it, checked for updates, then selected the 'Hide' option, then installed the version from Nvidia.
No long after, Nvidia released an update giving me BSOD'S when trying to update 'Windows Exporience Index'.
Currently using Graphics version 7.1 + Display version 285.xx.
I use CCleaner also.

 

[Computer0304]

There were motherboards from Nvidia a few years ago called nForce.

I know, that's why that is in there.

It was for SteveDZ. I'm sorry if I made you think that I though you did not know.

 

[Sunyb36]

Thank you for the tutorial....It is too soon to say if this will fix my "one black screen" problem, but I will say that it did make the two demanding games I play very smooth and a fairly big FPS improvement as well.

I will update you on whether or not this resolved the black screen issue.

Thanks again...I really appreciate your help!!

Rick

 

[essenbe]

Thank you for the tutorial....It is too soon to say if this will fix my "one black screen" problem, but I will say that it did make the two demanding games I play very smooth and a fairly big FPS improvement as well.

I will update you on whether or not this resolved the black screen issue.

Thanks again...I really appreciate your help!!

Rick

Hi Rick, I'm glad it has helped and I hope it resolves your Black Screen problems. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Nice one Steve you have made it look so easy - for me anyway