Dimension 4700 onboard video : no Direct3D/DDraw support?

Question

My new Dimension 4700 won't run Direct3D-based games. I also notice that it appears to think I've got dual monitor capability with its onboard video. I've not added any extra video cards (doing so crashed the system--old PCI based S3 Number 9 series card); the two monitors it thinks it has are both on the Intel onboard video.

Troubleshooting steps thus far:

- Reinstalled video driver.
- Reinstalled DirectX 9.
- Tried video Troubleshoot tab/disable acceleration options.
- Disabled "SERR DMI" in the BIOS. I wonder if that would fix my old PCI card problem?

DXDiag thinks the card has no DirectDraw or Direct3D support at all! Google Earth seems to work in Open GL mode just fine.

I've pasted in an edited DXDiag dump here... anyone have any ideas?

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/3/2005, 01:06:24
Machine name: TTHOMPSON
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Dimension 4700
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A09
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1014MB RAM
Page File: 205MB used, 2235MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found. Direct3D functionality not available. You should verify that the driver is a final version from the hardware manufacturer.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2582&SUBSYS_01811028&REV_04
Display Memory: n/a
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4020 (English)
DDI Version: unknown
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 1/23/2005 17:56:00, 37951 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ialmnt5.sys
Mini VDD Date: 1/23/2005 11:05:06, 804317 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-66C2-11CF-2C7C-8B21A5C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2582
SubSys ID: 0x01811028
Revision ID: 0x0004
Revision ID: 0x0004
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Not Available
D3D Status: Not Available
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: PCI GDIHOOK5
Device ID: ROOT\DISPLAY\0000
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\gdihook5.sys, 5.02.3718.0000 (English), 11/9/2004 18:07:46, 24633 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\gdihook5.dll, 5.02.3718.0000 (English), 11/9/2004 18:07:44, 23609 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2782&SUBSYS_01811028&REV_04\3&172E68DD&0&11
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM PCI Express Root Port - 2660
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2660&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_03\3&172E68DD&0&E0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.2180 (English), 8/4/2004 00:07:48, 68224 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2582&SUBSYS_01811028&REV_04\3&172E68DD&0&10
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\ialmnt5.sys, 6.14.0010.4020 (English), 1/23/2005 11:05:06, 804317 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ialmrnt5.dll, 6.14.0010.4020 (English), 1/23/2005 17:56:00, 37951 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ialmdnt5.dll, 6.14.0010.4020 (English), 1/23/2005 17:55:54, 108092 bytes

... SNIP !... large list of driver DLLs, mostly v6.14.0010.4020.

tigerwolf7 · Answer

The two monitors thing is okay, I've got a system with Intel's video that does the same thing.

Do you have the newest chipset drivers installed for your system? Scanned for spyware and the like with a legit anti-spyware program? Downloaded all the patches from Windows Update including Service Pack 2 and Direct X 9.0c?

What games are you trying to run?

Can't think of what else could be causing that :(

TDThompson · Answer

I've updated DirectX 9.0c using the 'full' redist package. I also installed the latest Dell video driver, but not the chipset driver. (This is a very new OEM preload.) I'll try the chipset driver again. Sure can't hurt! The apps in question which refuse to run include Google Earth (OpenGL software mode only--like a slide show!) and Madonion.com 3dMark 2001 SE (fairly basic version). DXDiag shows all Direct3D buttons are greyed out.

tigerwolf7 · Answer

You'd want to install chipset drivers, then Direct X, then video drivers.

If that's still not working, the only thing I can think to try is to reinstall Windows. I'm not super familiar with Intel's video, but the system I have here with it passes all the Direct X tests fine. I didn't have to do anything unusual when I installed it either, just the normal install Windows-install chipset drivers-etc. routine.

I suppose it could even be a hardware flaw with the video portion of the chipset.

TDThompson · Answer

Well, I've installed the drivers again, in the order you recommended. DirectX setup just says it's done, but doesn't appear to actually copy any files.

DXDiag still says there are no acceleration features for DirectDraw or Direct3D.

Any other ideas?

TheEd · Answer

I had this same problem on a Dell Latitude...Fixed it by changing HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\DCI changed Timeout value to 7, it was set at zero. I also set this in controlset002.

TDThompson · Answer

YES! That fixed it!

* Does victory dance around office, then realizes the door was open... *

Ahem, sorry, got carried away there.

At any rate, that was precisely the problem. Some Googling reveals that this registry setting (disabling DirectX features) is recommended for better security.

Michael-Msn · Answer

I read your solution to TDThompson's problem on Google Earth and was wondering if it could help me. I have a Dimension 2400 with XP, after installation there's a message, 'DirectX Mode not supported' the taskbar turns a streaky green and directs me to start in GL, this only gives an outline and four place name images which it can't load and keeps repeating.

If there is, hopefully, an answer, could you possibly keep it simple...please.

tigerwolf7 · Answer

Check if Dell has any newer drivers for your Intel video. Baring that it sounds like you need a real video card.

Michael-Msn · Answer

Thanks Tigerwolf7, I don't know what videocard I have, I've looked through the Device Manager and I can't see any of the popular videocards. I did a MS search and came up with this, 'icon_videocard.' Also, if I might need a video card, as you suggest, which one should I get? Google Earth did, surprisingly enough, work for me when I was on AOL dialup before changing to broadband. Anyway, if you or anybody else can suggest an answer I would be most grateful

tigerwolf7 · Answer

If you haven't upgraded the video on your Dimension 2400, then you have Intel's integrated video (Intel "Extreme" video). Dell should have downloads for your video, and installing/reinstalling the newest video drivers might help.

Otherwise you're limited to PCI cards (NOT PCIe nor AGP). The most powerful PCI card available is a Geforce 6200 which has been under $30 when purchased from Newegg (though it's frequently out of stock).

Michael-Msn · Answer

Sorry to trouble you again, Tigerwolf7 but could you advise me again please?

I'm trying to update driver Intel(R)82845G/GL/PE/GV Graphics Controller. I've been told that the file, ialmnt5.sys on Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator is required. Then to type the path where the file is located and then click OK.

The problem is when I click on either of the Windows signed updates, the path comes up as c:\docume~1\michae~1\locals~1\temp\pft5~tmp\win2000 but the OK doesn't respond. The file installation wizard worked but didn't show on the indicator bar, I left the installation wizard going for 15 minutes and it was still going but displaying nothing. Is there anything I can do or should not do please.

tigerwolf7 · Answer

That message seems strange. Did you grabe the file from Dell's support site? It's been a while since I've run Intel's driver setup program, but probably you'd just download the file to your desktop, double click it (which may extract it and then stop, or might extract it and then launch right into the setup). If it dosen't start automatically, you'd have to manually start the setup. It shouldn't be asking you for a path like that.

Might have to uninstall your old video drivers first though.

EDIT: Also, there are instructions at the top of this forum that might help.

Message Edited by tigerwolf7 on 06-21-200610:31 AM

Michael-Msn · Answer

That's exactly what I did, so before the machine goes through the window, I've decided to take your advice and go for the PCI Geforce 6200 Video Card. As there seems to be quite a lot of them could you recommend the one best suited for my computer. I don't want anything fancy just a powerful video card and any tips you might have for installing it. Many thanks for any help you can let me have.

lisajean55 · Answer

I am having the exact problem described by TDThompson. My DirectX diagnostics box says "Direct3D functionality not available". I have the Intel 82915G Chipset that came with my system. When I tried to update the driver to PV14.25, I get the error message "This driver cannot be installed on this computer". I'm running Windows XP Professional Edition, SP2.

I checked the timeout in the registry, it is already set to 7. Very frustrating! If anyone has any more information on this problem, I would very much appreciate it.

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Dimension 4700 onboard video : no Direct3D/DDraw support?

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