Garbled Screen using NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS

[lexonex]

It happened again this morning (a rare event but, it DOES happen now and then). I turned on my PC and got a garbled unintelligible screen shot and then Windows shut down. It restarted itself and then everything was fine. Windows informed me to check if there were any “updated” Graphics Card drivers available. I believe I have the most recent driver. Is anyone else having this problem with the NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS Graphics Card?

A little background; my original system came with the NVIDIA GeForce 6600 which had this same identical problem constantly giving me a garbled screen 3 – 4 times a week sometimes.

What is the true nature of the problem? Is the NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS Graphics Card as defective as the 6600? Or is this a Windows Vista problem?

Is there any expert on this board that really does know? And IF it is the Graphics Card, can anyone recommend an ATI Card for my system? (No card fans or wires please. I just want to plug it in)

Thanks.

Windows Vista Home Premium x64 Service Pack 1

I.E. 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

Gateway FX510S

Intel® Pentium® D 950 CPU 3.40GHz

800 MHz FSB, 2x2MB cache non-HT EM64T

Intel (Watsonville 2) 975x Motherboard

BIOS WT97510J.15A.2039.2006.0825.0358

600-Watt power supply

4.0 GB RAM

NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS Graphics Card

Driver Provider: NVIDIA

Driver Date: 09/11/2007

Driver Version: 7.15.11.6369

(Sound)

Yamaha RX-V361 AV Receiver

JBL Cinema Sound Speakers CS480

IDT High Definition Audio CODEC for 64bit Windows

Driver Version 1.0.5713.6 Driver Date 02/13/2008

Edited June 1, 2008 by lexonex

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Sounds more like a bios issues with the cards then a driver issue.

How quickly does this garbled text screen happen?

Also what is the manufacturer of the video card? I know its an nVidia but i mean the actual maker i.e gigabyte, asus, others.

Edited June 2, 2008 by Kelsenellenelvian

[Witt3439]

If you have that card in the system that you have in your signature, then you're a few drivers behind. Go to Nvidia's website and you'll find that 175.16 is the latest driver.

(I usually have the same problem that you're experiencing when I run beta drivers for my video card on one of my systems (a 7600GT). It seems as though those cards don't like beta drivers with Vista.)

[lexonex]

Sounds more like a bios issues with the cards then a driver issue.

How quickly does this garbled text screen happen?

Also what is the manufacturer of the video card? I know its an nVidia but i mean the actual maker i.e gigabyte, asus, others.

The garbled screen begins immediately. I can barely make out the text to hit "run vista".

Manufacturer? mmmm. I threw the box out....Got me.......

[lexonex]

If you have that card in the system that you have in your signature, then you're a few drivers behind. Go to Nvidia's website and you'll find that 175.16 is the latest driver.

(I usually have the same problem that you're experiencing when I run beta drivers for my video card on one of my systems (a 7600GT). It seems as though those cards don't like beta drivers with Vista.)

Is this the latest?:

GeForce Release 175 WHQL

Version: 175.16

Release Date: May 16, 2008

Operating System: Windows Vista 64-bit

Language: U.S. English

File Size: 51.4 MB

I'm a dummy when it comes to these things.....I think it is .....

Edited June 2, 2008 by lexonex

[lexonex]

Thanks. Just downloaded and installed the "latest" driver .exe file...A word to other "newbies"; when installing new drivers first "save" the .exe file to your "downloads" (example) and THEN make sure you "Run As Administator"....Some downloads (.exe files) will not install UNLESS you do it this way e.g. HP ScanJet G4050 driver.

I'll be watching for any future garbled screens.....thanks again.

By the way, (1) why does Windows say I have the "latest" driver when I obviously do not? (2) Why could I not get this driver in my Windows Updates?....And (3) is this part of the Frustration/aggravation owning a PC? Never mind (3), I already know that answer..What about (1) and (2)?

Windows Vista Home Premium x64 Service Pack 1

I.E. 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

Gateway FX510S

Intel® Pentium® D 950 CPU 3.40GHz

800 MHz FSB, 2x2MB cache non-HT EM64T

Intel (Watsonville 2) 975x Motherboard

BIOS WT97510J.15A.2039.2006.0825.0358

600-Watt power supply

4.0 GB RAM

NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS Graphics Card

Driver Provider: NVIDIA

Driver Date: 05/21/2008

Driver Version: 7.15.11.7516

(Sound)

Yamaha RX-V361 AV Receiver

JBL Cinema Sound Speakers CS480

IDT High Definition Audio CODEC for 64bit Windows

Driver Version 1.0.5713.6 Driver Date 02/13/2008

Edited June 2, 2008 by lexonex

[lexonex]

Well, it happened again. This time I had to hold down the “on” button to shut down Windows. Garbled screen again and then nothing—no windows and an absolutely blank screen. The best way to describe it is like when your digital TV signal has problems and the picture begins breaking apart. Puzzle looking parts of the picture are missing. What to do? I guess it is ANOTHER defective card from NVIDIA. Thanks boys. Good news it is a rare event. What a second! The last time this happened was Sunday morning and today is Thursday? At least I got three non-error days……….

Life with windows……….or is it Life with NVIDIA?

p.s. TODAY IS THE DAY for my Mac Pro delivery....Waiting for the UPS truck as I write this....

[lexonex]

Since I have swapped out my APC Back-UPS ES 750 for a good reasonable priced surge/power strip from COSTCO, I have NOT had any problems/errors with my screen.

I properly disposed of the ES 750 battery at the COSTCO tire center.

NVIDIA I apologize. APC never again.........