Please Help!!! 'The device driver is in an infinite loop'

Question

I have a Dell Dimensions 8300. I bought it about a year and a half ago and this is the first serious problem I've had. Very out of the blue - literally! I turned on the computer and it started to boot up. Before it reached the windows desktop, the entire screen went blue and the white writing informed me that 'the device driver is stuck in an infinite loop.' Here's all the technical info it gives me: The problem seems to be caused by the following file: nv4_disp The device driver is stuck in an infinite loop. This usually indicates a problem with the device itself or with the device driver programming the hardware incorrectly. Please check with your hardware device vendor for any driver updates. Technical Information: *** STOP: 0x000000EA (0x86c2Fc10, 0x87257320, 0xf7c5ccBC, 0x00000001) nv4_disp Beginning to dump physical memory Physical memory dump complete. Please help! I have tons of important stuff that is not backed up!!! Argh!!! :-(

chuket · Answer

Restart the machine and start tapping the F8  key until you get a DOS type screen and select 'Last known good config.....' and [Enter].

chiefwiggy · Answer

Also, I keep finding info in other posts about problems that sound similar, but the advice mentions using windows (ie. start tab etc.) to fix it. I have no windows at all.

Guru777 · Answer

sounds like a bad nvidia video driver or nforce chipset driver. Use F8 to get into safe mode and uninstall your video adapter. then download the latest drivers and install them.

chiefwiggy · Answer

My internet doesn't work when I'm in Safe Mode, so I can't download anything (I'm not writing this from my computer).   Any other suggestions?   Also, I'm a tech idiot. I don't know what or where to find my 'video adapter.' Message Edited by chiefwiggy on 04-25-200608:26 AM

Guru777 · Answer

in safe mode go into device manager

start > run > "devmgmt.msc"

find your video adapter / video card and right click and uninstall. then restart into normal mode and download newer drivers off the internet.

CapnJay · Answer

My Dimension is also having the exact same problem, but with a new twist I need help on.  My hard drive is partitioned (my wife signs in on her side;  as do I on the other side).  I did get hold of a Dell Technician who advised that I boot up in SAFE, uninstall the display adaptor (NVIDIA geoforce...), and re-boot into normal mode.  It worked (on my side of the partition).  I cannot boot into my wife's side without the display going haywire and eventually freezing up.  I've tried unsuccessfully to reboot in the 'Administrator' mode with no success.  How in the world can I uninstall/re-install the NIVIDIA so it applies to both partitions?   Thanks for the help. I've been waiting 3 days now for the Dell tech to call back and all our financials are on my wife's side  ---of course.

Guru777 · Answer

by design you can't make a single change that will effect both partitions. that is why seperate partitions exist. they are seperate entities. You can't boot into safe mode by press F8 on your partition?

chuket · Answer

It could be as simple as this if you got the April 12 Windows update KB908531 which is wreaking havoc on many machines with Nvidia graphics:   http://claydawg.helpdesk.olemiss.edu/?p=90

haydupc · Answer

Hi - I have noticed that the forum has the notes from April 2006 about 'the device driver is in an infinite loop'.  I have tried the suggestions about uninstalling the device driver and reinstalling it from the Resource CD that Dell provided.  This seems to work for a short time.  The screen will then jump some and eventually I get the same error message.  I keep trying the uninstall/install but get no where.  I even tried running in Safe Mode for a while but this slows things down and I can't use some programs, like Internet Exployer or Outlook.    Not being a computer expert, I am at the point I assume this is a hardware problem now.  Can anyone help confirm that?   Thanks!

Guru777 · Answer

have you tried the latest video drivers from nvidia instead of the drivers off the dell cd?

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