Nv4_disp bsod :(

tranmererovers

Got a problem with Hubby's desktop. It's a dell vostro 200 running windows xp(that's about as much as I can glean at the mo as it won't boot up).

It was working fine and then mid game it showed a blue screen of death with an NV4_DISP error which googling points to the graphics card.

It then worked ok intermittently but now won't load up. Some times it gets to the user log on selection screen and sometimes as far as the desktop but then it freezes and has to be rebooted.

Did manage to check all the device drivers previously and non were showing an error, also ran full AV scans and all were clear

So just wondering what this points to and any advice on confirming a diagnosis?

Thanks

santer_2

Press the power button and then keep tapping the F8 key until you get options, choose either safe mode or safe mode with networking, if it loads to the desktop then it is most likely the graphic card drivers

If you use safe mode with networking, look for drivers if device manager names the graphics adapter

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk

Or you should be able to use the PC you are on now to download the software and put it onto disc then install it on the other PC

free4440273

could be a corrupted OS: u could boot up with the xp disc and reinstall windows over the top -- u won't lose data this way but backup just in case .

tranmererovers

santer wrote: »

Press the power button and then keep tapping the F8 key until you get options, choose either safe mode or safe mode with networking, if it loads to the desktop then it is most likely the graphic card drivers

If you use safe mode with networking, look for drivers if device manager names the graphics adapter

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk

Or you should be able to use the PC you are on now to download the software and put it onto disc then install it on the other PC

Thanks, I can get into safe mode intermittently, sometimes it freezes when I am in there or the screen seems to get interference on it (like when you are loosing the signal on your tv in bad weather)

I tried downloading and reinstalling the driver yesterday but the fault still continued.

tranmererovers

free4440273 wrote: »

could be a corrupted OS: u could boot up with the xp disc and reinstall windows over the top -- u won't lose data this way but backup just in case .

Thanks I'll try that as a last resort - my gut feel is that it's hardware related though - but I have been proved wrong!!!

santer_2

If you fancy opening the case, check all the wires are firmly in place

http://tips4pc.com/articles/computer%20maintenance/how_to_open_a_computer_case_safe.htm

1. Remove all power cords that are connected to the computer case.
2. This includes network cables, modems, printers, everything…Wait a few seconds as the power leaves the main board.

To protect your computer from static electricity stored on your body, (ESD) continually touch the unpainted metal part of the computer case to discharge any static.

Also check the components, memory, sound card, video card etc are firmly in place

Remove any dust from the fans, and anywhere else if possible

tranmererovers

santer wrote: »

If you fancy opening the case, check all the wires are firmly in place

http://tips4pc.com/articles/computer%20maintenance/how_to_open_a_computer_case_safe.htm

1. Remove all power cords that are connected to the computer case.
2. This includes network cables, modems, printers, everything…Wait a few seconds as the power leaves the main board.

To protect your computer from static electricity stored on your body, (ESD) continually touch the unpainted metal part of the computer case to discharge any static.

Also check the components, memory, sound card, video card etc are firmly in place

Remove any dust from the fans, and anywhere else if possible

Thanks for your reply, yes, I've tried that as well, everything seems to be seated ok and I removed as much dust as I could.

tibbyuk

Have you tried updating with the latest driver directly from Dell's website?

This could fix it, but from the sounds of it, your Graphics Card is on the way out.

If I were you, I would update the driver from Dell, and see if this does it. And if not, do you have access to a friend's graphics card? And are you comfortable installing it in your machine?

tranmererovers

tibbyuk wrote: »

Have you tried updating with the latest driver directly from Dell's website?

This could fix it, but from the sounds of it, your Graphics Card is on the way out.

If I were you, I would update the driver from Dell, and see if this does it. And if not, do you have access to a friend's graphics card? And are you comfortable installing it in your machine?

Thanks will try that. Yes have installed new graphics cards in previous machines but didn't want to go out and buy a replacement one if it then turned out not to be that as the problem. Will see if I can talk my brother into letting me dismantle his machine and borrow his

RussJK

Sometimes a simple way to rule out a hardware problem is to run a Linux LiveCD, e.g. Ubuntu:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

In your case it does sound like it's hardware related.

If you experience the same problems trying to run Ubuntu from the CD, then it would help narrow down the problem to remove the graphics card (assuming it to be a dedicated card) and running the integrated card and seeing if things work okay.