Graphics Problem: screen freeze then messes up w/ GeForce 4 MX 460 3

[satchi]

Hello, I have a problem with my MSI GeForce 4 MX 460 video card ever since I installed Windows XP Pro. I had Windows 98 before and this problem never happened. I did not upgrade my comptuer or antyhing (other than OS update).

At random times when I'm using the computer, the screen all of a sudden freezes for like 3-4 seconds and then the resolution changes back to 800x600 and the color becomes messed up(it seems like the video driver is missing or something during this time).

I am forced to restart the computer because I can't bear the resolution and it does not allow me to reset it in Display Properties. But once I restart the computer, the settings become normal.

The problem happens at random times, but more so when there's a lot of things on the screen. Ocassionally, the problem comes up when I'm not doing anything on the computer as well.

I have updated the video card's drivers, but it seems the more I update, the worst it gets.

This appears to be a graphics problem and I don't have any leads. Any suggestions is appreciated! Thanks in advance,

satchi

 

[paparazi]

Graphics card fan seizing? Getting hot?
Power supply failing? not keeping stable voltages?
Dirty AGP contacts? refit card after cleaning contacts with an erasor (rubber)
Are you properly uninstalling the old drivers before applying new ones?
A slightly older card like this was optimized around the 44.03 Detonators, newer drivers actually are slower on this card.
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[satchi]

Thanks for the reply paparazi. I have re-installed the card and the problem continued. One thing I have noticed is when I try another video card, no freezing appears, but the movements of things are very slow.

One question, what do you mean by this card being optimized around the 44.03 Detonators...

I'll try clean the contacts on the card.

Any chance that it's the OS giving the problem? Afterall, it was working fine when I had Win 98 installed. Thanks

 

[bcastner]

Do you have onboard video?
Disable, not uninstall, the onboard video adapter.

 

[satchi]

Thanks for the reply bcastner. I was just thinking about that. My computer does not appear to have any integrated video.

 

[bcastner]

Check the BIOS settings for what is defined as the default video adapter. If there is an onboard choice, then there is certainly an issue. Set it to PCI or AGP or whatever is appropriate for your adapter.

Then hit F8 early and often, and choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Now reinstall your newest driver set for the GFORCE. A quick Google for an uninstallation program "detenator destroyer' for earlier drivers is likely a good idea. Or see this site in the alternative, as their advice has been first rate for me:

http://www.guru3d.com/faq.php?cat=Videocards&id=4

 

[satchi]

I'll give it a shot. Hopefully this will end my countless days of graphics horror.

 

[bcastner]

I hope so too. It is a driver issue one way or the other, but I liked very much the suggestion by Paparzi above about sticking with earlier rather than the newest Detenator drivers for that particular board.

 

[satchi]

Ok, I think i'll be doing this:

Unplug and clean the contacts of vcard, re-install it.

1. I will be using the Detonator (v41.09) to remove the display drivers from Windows XP.

2. Installing the old drivers, and then see how it goes.

3. If problem still occurs, i'll do steps 1 again, but this time install the latest GeForce drivers (i think the latest is dated november 9th, 2004), and see how that goes.

I'll let you guys know if I succeed. Thanks again.

 

[micker377]

Look at paparizi's post. I had (last month) a G-force 400 vid card die last month due to a locked up fan. Look at the installation and you may see that there is abou 1/4 inch between the fan/cooler and the next board. I switched adjacent boards around - the audio board is L shaped, giving clearence to the fan. If possible, don't even use the adjacent slot.

 

[paparazi]

When each new graphics card range is released the first drivers for that card, GF256/GF2/GF3/GF4/GFFX/6800
are usually poor performing and can have driver anomolies, glitches, it usually takes two or three driver releases, refinements/optimisations to get the best from that particular card range.
It has been proven that using the very latest drivers on say a Geforce3 Ti500 for instance, with actually have an adverse effect on the cards performance, reason: because the latest Detonators are being optimised for the current 6800 range.
The best driver therefore is often one produced some months after that cards release.
Admitadely there are other considerations to think about as well, newer drivers often have added feartures etc
So what I am saying is don't automatically assume the newest is necessarily the best when it comes to older video cards.
This rule also applies to older chipsets.
Via, for instance do not recommend the used of ther latest 4in1 4.53 platform drivers on anything older than their KT400, pointing out older drivers are better suited.

I have also proven this myself on several cards I have owned in the past.
My Leadtek GF4 4800Ti for instance would bench 1500points lower with Detonator 53.03's than older 40.43's,representing over a 15% drop in performance.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[satchi]

Update on the situation. I realize that this MSI motherboard has serious problems with its AGP slot, especially regarding Nvidia brand. I tested out an ATI 9200 and that seems to solve the problem, but even the ATI required some configuration to make it work at it's best, such as removing shader, and setting it to optimal performance.

I tested several Nvidia cards on my computer, including FX 5500, Geforce MX 2,and the problematic MX300, and the same problem occurs (perhaps it's driver related as well)

Anyways, thanks again for the help.