Graphic Device Driver error

Question

HELP! Yesterday I got 'caught' in a loop and had to reboot. Today, when I turned on my Inspiron 8200, I received an error message (sorry, I don't have that message). I was not sitting at the computer while the computer booted up, so I don't know what might have come before. I have Windows XP SP3 (the loop occurred before installation of SP3 and other critical updates). I submitted an error report to Microsoft. Note the error message at the end of this post. * * * * * Error Caused by Graphics Device Driver Thank you for submitting an error report. Microsoft is unable to specifically determine what caused the problem you reported. If you would like to try and troubleshoot the problem, please utilize the information listed below. Analysis A device driver installed on your system caused the problem, but we cannot determine the precise cause. Depending on which situation is applicable to you, do one of the following: If you are running Windows Server 2003 you may experience crashes if you have adjusted the Hardware Acceleration setting. Microsoft recommends that the Hardware Acceleration setting be set to None for server systems. To check your Hardware Acceleration setting, go to the advanced section of the display properties dialog box. If you know the manufacturer of the device, contact the manufacturer's product support service for assistance. If you don't know the driver's manufacturer and need help diagnosing and resolving this problem, contact your computer manufacturer's product support service. Updated drivers might be available on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site. At Windows Update, you can have your computer scanned and, if there are updated drivers available, Windows Update will offer a selection of drivers that you might be able to use. To learn more about updated drivers that might be available, visit Microsoft Windows Update. For information about Microsoft support options, visit Microsoft Product Support Services. You can track this error report by clicking the Track this error report link. If you choose to track your error report, you will be notified of resolutions to this problem as they are identified. Track this error report Additional Technical Information Error Message: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (Q293078)

judymadnick · Answer

Just found this, but I don't know what to look for and fix.

Additional Technical Information

Error Message: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (Q293078)

SYMPTOMS
You may receive one of the following Stop error messages:
STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER
STOP: 0x100000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER_M
CAUSE
This issue may occur if the display driver is caught in an infinite loop while it waits for the video hardware to become idle. This issue typically indicates a problem with the video hardware or that the display driver cannot program the hardware correctly.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, obtain and install the most current driver for your video adapter, or replace your video card.
WORKAROUND
To work around this issue, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display.
2. On the Settings tab, click Advanced, and then click the Troubleshoot tab.
3. Move the Hardware Acceleration slider to None, and then clear the Enable Write Combining check box.
4. Click OK, and then click OK.

Note This procedure prevents the display driver from programming the hardware incorrectly, but you may lose some display functionality and performance. Although you can increase the hardware acceleration settings higher than None to regain functionality and performance, these settings increase the chance that the issue will occur again. For maximum stability, leave hardware acceleration off.

johnallg · Answer

Next time you get the BSOD blue error page, look towards the bottom and in (  ) the offending driver will be listed.  Look for a newer driver or then reload the one you have if it is the latest by deleting the device it controls from the Device Manager and rebooting.

judymadnick · Answer

From my prior message, does this explain? RESOLUTIONTo resolve this issue, obtain and install the most current driver for your video adapter, or replace your video card. Judy

johnallg · Answer

Sure does.  Get the latest driver for your video adapter from above - Product Support - Downloads - enter you notebook model - and get the video driver.

judymadnick · Answer

Oh, no -- again? I have the Nvidia GeForce2 Go Video Driver, and when I first got my Inspiron 8200, there was one program in particular that wouldn't run properly. It took several drive updates before everything was A-OK. Since then (over two years), everything has been fine. The driver I have on my system is the most recent (9/10/03). I haven't had any problems since I wrote (above), so I'll watch it . . . and reinstall the driver if I get another 'warning.'   Thanks for your patience. I really thought something else had gone wrong since I haven't had a driver warning in so long!

johnallg · Answer

Ahhh the old GF2/8200 driver problem.  Man, I'd forgotten about that one.  Before you try reloading it, I would go to the Device Manager and delete the video adapter, reboot, and let it be found and your existing driver reloaded.  But only if the BSOD keeps reoccuring.  You could also use the latest nVidia driver (look or ask on the Inspiron - Video forum) as the driver is unified and covers all nVidia cards, but I would try waiting then my other suggestion first.

judymadnick · Answer

I forgot about that problem too . . . at first. It's been a long time . . .

<< You could also use the latest nVidia driver (look or ask on the Inspiron - Video forum) as the driver is unified and covers all nVidia cards, >>

Is that a Dell-supported driver? I remember that people were using nVidia drivers that were not supported by Dell -- I'm still on a three-year on-site service contract.

johnallg · Answer

Using a non-Dell driver won't affect warranty - the notebook has to run reliably.  Kudos on the onsite - best money spent on a notebook!!

judymadnick · Answer

Well, it's the best money spent on a notebook for one's mental state. Fortunately, I haven't had to use it. Of course, I can't help but wonder what's going to happen on Day 1 following Year 3. LOL!

skesler · Answer

All,

I'm having the same problem on a Radeon video chip. Downloaded the lastest driver from Dell, and it seemed to help. Mine seems to crash when there is no activity for a minute or so. As long as I type or use the mouse, it seems to be stable, but as soon as I leave it for a few mintues it crashes.

I started experienceing this problem this past weekend when I installed some of the updates form the Windows XP update site. I have not installed SP2 (waiting corp approval - company laptop).

Dell Latitiude D600 (1400Mhz), 1G ram, Radeon 9000, Win XP SP1

Anyone with any ideas?

judymadnick · Answer

I haven't had a problem since I posted the original message in this thread. Hopefully, it was just a fluke.   Judy

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Graphic Device Driver error

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