[SOLVED] Updating Video Card Driver

Redwing Roger

Newbie Joined: Mar 28, 2010 20:34 Messages: 47 Offline

Solved by

Dec 08, 2010 12:59

I read FredB’s excellent post (PowerDirector 9 fails to start or hangs or has video problems or production failures = Tip Sheet) about updating video card drivers to get the best performance from PD 8 or 9 and I would like to follow-up with a few questions before installing my driver update. I have never updated my video card drivers and I want to verify that I correctly understand how to do it. I have downloaded the correct driver from the NVIDIA website but could not find specific installation instructions. They did recommend disabling any AV software before installing but that’s about it. My first question is, do I need to uninstall the current driver before installing the new one? My impression is that I do need to uninstall the old driver first but that sounds a bit scary (will my monitor still look fine after uninstalling the driver and before installing the updated driver?). When it comes to installing the updated driver, it looks like I have a couple of options. If I go to Device Manager/Display Adaptors I can see options in the properties for uninstalling and updating the driver. The other option would be to uninstall from Windows Uninstall or Change a Program window (I’m running Windows 7 64 bit). I can see the NVIDIA driver in the list. If I uninstall from there, then I could go directly to the .exe file for the updated driver and run it or go back into the Display Adaptors properties dialog box and update from there by browsing for the .exe file. Before doing any of this, as recommended by FredB, I would create a Windows Restore Point first. I wouldn’t think it would make any difference where I go to uninstall the current driver or where I install the update from but if I’m wrong, I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction. The biggest question is, do I uninstall the current driver first and then install the update? Thanks.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Dec 10. 2010 07:01

Redwing Roger

Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium, Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz processor, 8Gb DDR3 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce GTS240 1024MB graphics card, 2nd internal HD - WD Black Caviar 2TB. PD 9 Ultra, Build 9.00.2330

FredB

Senior Contributor Joined: Sep 15, 2008 21:14 Messages: 1317 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 13:22

Roger;
Did you post a copy of your dxdiag on another post? I couldn't find one.

Most Nvidia upgrades handle the uninstall of the old drivers on their own. The RESTORE POINT is just for "disaster backup" and typically doesn't come into play much with Nvidai..ATI and INTEL I am not so clear on.

1. Download the correct file and save it where you can find it. (Give us a dxdiag to look at first)
2.I recommend that you Reboot before the upgrade (USUALLY AV disable is NOT needed).

3. Click the saved file to start the installer.

Redwing Roger

Newbie Joined: Mar 28, 2010 20:34 Messages: 47 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 13:39

FredB

I have to admit I don't know what dxdiag is. I went to the NVIDIA website to find the correct driver and using two search methods there, got the same result for what driver I needed. I allowed their site to run a tool that analyzed my system to determine the appropriate driver and it came up with the same driver I found using their other option which was to select the Product Type, Product Series, Product and Operating System. Is there a short answer about dxdiag or should I just take a look at other posts to get more info. on it? Thanks again. Redwing Roger

Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium, Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz processor, 8Gb DDR3 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce GTS240 1024MB graphics card, 2nd internal HD - WD Black Caviar 2TB. PD 9 Ultra, Build 9.00.2330

FredB

Senior Contributor Joined: Sep 15, 2008 21:14 Messages: 1317 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 13:55

Below is an excerpt of Dafydd's excellent post (found in his signature and instructions)

PART B
Create a Diagnostic File
Win7 operating system
Start icon > Click
In the Search box type in > dxdiag
On your keyboard select > Enter (return)
Select > save the information
save as ****DxDiag.txt
Replace the **** with your name so the file can be identified easily.
Example: johnsmithDxDiag.txt

A diagnostic file is used by PowerDirector Technical Support to analyze your PC set up.

Once you have created it (save it somewhere you can find it), attach it to a post reply here.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Dec 08. 2010 13:58

Redwing Roger

Newbie Joined: Mar 28, 2010 20:34 Messages: 47 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 14:31

FredB

Here is my DxDiag report. It's very long, hope I was to include it all.

Filename	Redwing_Roger_DxDiag.txt	Download
Description
Filesize	33 Kbytes
Downloaded:	302 time(s)

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Dec 08. 2010 15:11

Redwing Roger

Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium, Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz processor, 8Gb DDR3 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce GTS240 1024MB graphics card, 2nd internal HD - WD Black Caviar 2TB. PD 9 Ultra, Build 9.00.2330

FredB

Senior Contributor Joined: Sep 15, 2008 21:14 Messages: 1317 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 14:46

Redwing Roger;

FYI: When you create a post, there is a button at the bottom to attach a file....then all the text doesn't display on the post....no worries.

Yes, your driver needs to be updated:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/win7-winvista-64bit-260.99-whql-driver.html

Most Nvidia upgrades handle the uninstall of the old drivers on their own.

Excerpt from Nvidia Site:
Q: Do I need to uninstall my older driver first?
A: No. It used to be the case that an uninstall was first required. Today the recommended method is to overinstall the newer driver on top of your older driver. This will allow you to maintain any current NVIDIA Control Panel settings or profiles.

The RESTORE POINT is just for "disaster backup" and typically doesn't come into play much, but it is great to have.

1. Download the 260.99 file and save it where you can find it.
2.I recommend that you Reboot before the upgrade (USUALLY AV disable is NOT needed).

3. Once restarted, Click the saved file to start the installer.

Let us know if this solves your problems. By the way, thanks for the comments about my post..I am hoping it has helped some during the upgrade process.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Dec 08. 2010 15:15

Redwing Roger

Newbie Joined: Mar 28, 2010 20:34 Messages: 47 Offline

Dec 08, 2010 15:15

FredB,

On my last post I used the "Quick Reply" option which does not offer an option for attachments but now I know for next time. I edited my post to get rid of all the report text. I have the drivers downloaded and will be installing. Thanks for all the help. Redwing Roger

Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium, Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz processor, 8Gb DDR3 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce GTS240 1024MB graphics card, 2nd internal HD - WD Black Caviar 2TB. PD 9 Ultra, Build 9.00.2330