Notebook shuts down randomly after video driver update

Question

I have an issue when trying to update video drivers for nVidia GeForce 310M on my notebook (Dell Vostro 3500, Windows 7 64-bit).
With the default driver the OS is stable, however the quality of presented graphics is poor (quite blurry). Now, when I install an official nVidia driver recommended by Dell, my computer starts to shut down randomly, usually when I try to open a video on YouTube, load a web page with some images or simply just a few seconds after a Windows desktop appeared. No warnings, no errors, no reboot - only the machine is off in a second. It's not an issue of overheating because when I roll back driver everything works fine again.

Any ideas what may cause such problems?

Link to the Dell's driver: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/Product/vostro-3500?driverId=MFVN2&osCode=W764&fileId=2731100292

DELL-Vishal Sa · Answer

Hi,

I would suggest you to download a different version of the video driver from the link below:

http://dell.to/SMhkm1

Once the download is complete restart the system and check if the issue is resolved.

Please let me know the results.

Thanks and Regards
Vishal S
#iworkfordell

pkleczek · Answer

Hey, unfortunately, the driver you've recommended is a Windows XP version and the wizard prevents me from installing it, Regards, Pawel

DELL-Vishal Sa · Answer

Hi,

I apologize for the inconvenience you are facing due to this issue. Please provide me with the system Service Tag and the present BIOS version of the system in a private message, so that I can check the system details to assist you better.

To check the BIOS version, shut down the system and once you restart keep tapping F2 key. On the BIOS screen you will find the present BIOS version.

Meanwhile, provide me with a screenshot of the error message you are getting while trying to install the driver version.

I have added you as a friend. Please accept my friend request by clicking on my name highlighted in blue and then click on “Friends” tab at the top and then click on “Request to Review” and finally click on “Accept” button.

I am sending you a private message as well. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system records and check for further course of action. You could also click on Start Conversation to send a private message.

Please reply to my private mesage.

Thanks and Regards
Vishal S
#iworkfordell

pkleczek · Answer

Hey Vijay,

in my case it turned out to be a typical hardware issue. A small heat conductor in graphic card had changed its position and bacause of that the whole device overheated (and thus cased computer to shut down). And I suppose the only reason why I could work with default driver is that it simply didn't make a full use of all available resources :p

I suggest you to make a performance test with one of special benchmark programs (I can't remember any name, sorry) and check if everything is all right. Maybe in your case its also hardware and not soft-/firmware problem...

Good luck!

Paweł

vijay406 · Answer

Hi Vishal,

I have the same problem with my vostro 3500.I tried many driver for window 7 64bit from many site,but none could solve the problem.It shuts down without warning everytime.

Please advise.

Vijay

vijay406 · Answer

Hi Pawel,

Thanks for the response.

I tried installing passmark performance test software.when it was running its test on my PC,it showed that the graphic adapter is not recognised by the software.

I dont have the nvidia driver installed while running the test as it shuts down when i install it.

So how do i run the test.

And how did u resolve this hardware issue on your PC.

Please reply

Thanks

Vijay

pkleczek · Answer

Well, I guess you shoudl install nVidia driver (although it will case problems) and then run the test. Watch carefully the temperature level - if it rises to about 90*C your notebook will shut down. Later you can undo the driver installation by selecting "Roll Back Driver" in Device Manager > Display Adapter > RMB on NVIDIA adapter > Properties > Driver.

Actually in the end I had my whole graphic card replaced, but the technician said: "Hey, I just replace it to be 100% sure the problem is fixed. But you know, if I'd put the heat conductor on the right place it would run fine too." If you still have guarantee for your machine, I think Dell will fix your notebook not charging you a cent.

Cheers,

Paweł

vijay406 · Answer

Hi Pawel,

I tried Installing Nvidia driver and run the test,it didnt work,as it shuts down when i start the test.

It clearly shows that I have problem with my graphics card,i think I have to take it to the dell service center to get it done.

Thanks for your help Pawel,

Vijay

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Notebook shuts down randomly after video driver update

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