Video Driver Problem

Question

Hello. I just recently formatted my computer because of a system file corruption and reinstalled my OS, which is Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. When I was done with that, I noticed a few changes on my computer. Whenever I scroll in a page, the frame-rate freezes. Also under 'Display' in DxDiag it is labeled 'n/a' for all. I have tried installing one of my games on here that I had installed before formatting and it has an error relating to the video driver. The name of the video hardware, as far as I know, is an nVidia GeForce 7300 LE. The reason I am not sure is I am currently renting this from a Sales & Lease store but I know that it was GeForce 7300 LE before I had formatted.  What do I need to do for my computer to recognize it as such?

fireberd · Answer

Unfortunately you omitted the most important part, the PC Model Number.    But, most Dell's require the installation of chipset drivers before installing device drivers such as sound or video.  The chipset drivers define what is on the motherboard (including USB, Ethernet NIC, etc).  If you didn't install the chipset drivers that MAY be the problem.   The correct install sequence is (1) install Windows (2) install chipset drivers (3) install device drivers (e.g. sound, video, etc).    However, on many Dell's there is a restore partition on the hard drive (unless you foolishly deleted it).  If you press CTRL/F11 at the beginning of the boot up process it will let you access the restore partition.  If you do a restore this way it will return the PC to the original power up condition.

LinkMasters · Answer

Well, from the CD that Dell had sent me to repair/reinstall my computer, I did chkdsk /r and it didn't work so I opted to format it using the formatting option on the CD and reinstalled with the same Disc. In total they sent me 5 Discs, 2 were for the OS and the other was Drivers and Utilities, which I installed everything from it which I needed, it just didn't have the Video Driver. And where can I find the Model number?

It had the sound drivers and other video drivers, only not to the 7300 I specified. I've found a driver off of Dell's website, could it be what I need? http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R129651&SystemID=XPS/DIMENSION%20400/9150&servicetag=&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=11535&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=2&catid=6&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=6&fileid=172820

Message Edited by LinkMasters on 01-09-2008 07:25 AM

Message Edited by LinkMasters on 01-09-2008 07:58 AM

fireberd · Answer

The model number of the PC is usually found on the front of the tower.  such as Dimension E510, XPS410, Inspiron 530, etc.  DO NOT post the service tag number of the PC as that is prohibited on the forum (a Dell moderator will delete a post if they find that).   That driver will probably work as long as you have Windows XP, it's not really PC model dependent - just he Video card model.    Everything you need for a reinstall, if you don't use the Dell restore partition on the hard drive (really the best as it's 'painless' and restores everything automatically) is available on the downloads for your specific model (everything except the actual Operating System Discs).

LinkMasters · Answer

Ok, yeah. It's an XPS 400. But really, the only pain in the whole thing is having to work with dial up.

fireberd · Answer

If you have a friend that is on broadband, have them download it and burn it to a CD for you.

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