.......??? --GET-- the PICTURE?!?!?!

[Carola]

Somebody PLEASE help me! All I wanted to do was upgrade my video card and NOW it goes on and on .... I have done so much reading (and HAVE learned a lot :)) but am frustrated as I can't seem to find the solution to my problem. >:(

If I get an illegal warning when, and that won't allow me, to remove software (drivers and related video card items), what do I ... or can I do?

Can I just DELETE all the items from --My Computer--C: Drive-- instead??? Is that safe???

I **think** I **SHOULD**, ... and simply want to get rid of all of the video card and related items from my computer and start FRESH. Can I do that??? My computer WAS running perfectly until I did this upgrade, and I don't know if I confused it by initially changing to the "standard VGA driver" BEFORE I made the switch. It warned me NOT TO, ... but I went ahead and did it as per a website that insisted I DO IT.

In the past two days I have posted two messages, .... have been informed and do agree that they are lengthy. It's difficult to "nutshell" this when I am not entirely familiar with the material or far from "Grand Master GEEK"! :) Perhaps to make it simple, if someone could just tell me how to override this warning and what is safe to eliminate that would be FANTASTIC. If anyone is willing to read the loooong situation, which is NOT repetitive and is relevant, that would be even better! I just have this feeling this problem should be something simple to resolve within minutes ... I don't know.

Anyways, initial messages are pasted below, thank you everyone and anyone for any help .... and why do I have a -BIG BLACK DOT- on my envelopes??? Are my messages that TERRIBLE??? I looked in the legend and could NOT find the -BIG BLACK DOT-.

Have a great day. :) Carola.




Re: The GFORCE is not with me!

I really hope somebody can help me?!

This is the problem: I upgraded my video card last week and as a result, seem to have downgraded the quality of my overall picture.

I upgraded from a Diamond Monster 3D II and Ati Rage Turbo Pro to a Nvidia GeForce 2. Prior to making the switch, I changed the driver to the standard VGA driver as per the instructions off a website (graphics card did not come with a manual). My computer warned me that my system was not configurated for this driver but I did it anyway (I don't know if this is relevant information).

Although my system seems to running fine, my desktop is different. From the outer ends (about 1 1/2" inwards from both the left and right), the icons and characters appear to be more condensed or "squished together" (The perimeter or edges of the window are NOT bent inward or out; the outer edges of the window ARE in a proper rectangle or square). It is the same when I use the internet, however when I play a game this does not happen. If familiar with the Sony Trinitron, I think they are called "damper wires" which are two horizontal lines that are supposed to appear on your screen and are most visible against a white background. I now have a two VERTICAL lines from top to bottom, about 1/4" apart and are about 1 1/2" in from the right-hand side. These lines were not there before, are mostly visible against a DARK background, and do NOT move when adjusting the horizontal control. Some of the icons and characters also have a very faint triple-repeated outer line (if that makes sense?).

This is what I have done:
-moved the speakers and cords, etc.
-adjusted the horizontal, vertical, pin/pin, key/key, and rotation.
-checked DirectX and everything is OK.
-checked and tried different resolutions (currently at 800 x 600 which is the same as it was before I changed the video card.)
-looked in the device manager to see if there are any warnings.

My knowledge does not go further than this. I am not familiar with drivers and what does what .... I DO know how to enter into the BIOS, but would not know what to do.

**It almost seems as if the games are running from a different card or source than everything else .... ??????** However, the unknown vertical lines remain regardless. I don't know if this is a problem with my monitor, video card, drivers, or configuration???

I would GREATLY appreciate any help anyone could offer! I have unsuccessfully and made several contacts thus far, and the best advice was to just ignore it! I invested a lot of money and thought into my computer and consider it a great friend; I would not just IGNORE a friend of mine who might be dealing with a small problem any more than I would ignore my PC.

I have a Pentium II MMX, 400 MHz, with 64MB of RAM. My motherboard is (I think) Soft Switch BH6, and monitor is a Sony Trinitron 210GS; I can give more information if necessary.

Thank you ... anyone and/or ... everyone!
Carola


Illegal Drivers ... ???

Wow! ... I REALLY wish I knew **a lot** MORE about computers ..... !

Rick, ... I did what you suggested and found all the driver related software, ... and when I tried to remove the software I received a warning message ... you know, ... "illegal operation ... will be shut down" ..... It said: RUNDLL32 caused an invalid page fault in module ATIIIExx.DLL at 015f:1000f205. Then there were details about registers, bytes at CS:EIP, and stack dump. .... Ummmm .... should I just start DELETING all the icons ... ???

I found the ATI driver files in the - start - programs menu and on the C drive in "My Computer". In the "Program Files" I have a folder which contains old drivers I've downloaded and there is a separate folder for "Diamond", but with only the "setup".

I also looked in the device manager, ... and apologize, but I got a bit unsure of what I was looking at. I couldn't find "view all devices" and found/have "view devices by type" or "view devices by connection". Anyways, I double clicked on "display adaptors" and the only thing that came up was the Nvidia GeForce.

I don't know if the following has any relevance, but I noticed that I now have "disabled start up items" in my - start - programs menu, and they are "Microsoft Find Fast" and "Office Startup". I also had a game going last weekend and there was an underlying ***static/hum/muffled-rain/radio-not-tuned-in*** type of noise. However, the sound effects, speech and music were all running great, and this problem does not exist whilst running any other programs. Whatever, .... it can just go ON AND ON .... eh? Yes. I am a German living in Canada. Wow! Probably a problem with the game, ... anyways, ... I mostly just want to get to the root of this display problem.

Rick, ... your instructions were GREAT and clear! Thank you .. and all was going so well .... until .... the **ILLEGAL WARNING**. (Dramatic "Carola-frustrated-sarcastic humor)

Well Rick, .. if you would take the time to help me out further that would be amazing!!! One thousand thanks! If not or if anyone else reads this, .... I would absolutely appreciate any help on what is a matter that would probably take a more knowledgable **PC PERSON** less than ten minutes to resolve!

Have a great day ... enjoy and live in the moment!

Carola.

[Budfred]

Carola,

First, that little black dot is a good thing. It is there to tell you that this is a thread you have posted to, so don't worry about it. I have a whole bunch of them because I post a lot.:)

Second, try to keep your messages about this problem in the same thread so we can see what has already been attempted in addition to your description of the problem. You just go back to your last message and click on Reply to add another message in the same thread.

Third, I am unclear if you have gone into Device Manager and Removed the video drivers there. If you haven't done that, go ahead and do so, then reboot. Before you remove them, make sure you have whatever drivers you will need available because Windows will want them at reboot. You may have to direct Windows to find the drivers on your disks, but most of the process should be automatic. In Device Manager it is Sort by Type that you use to find the video drivers. You then click once to highlight the Nvidia label and then click on Remove near the bottom of the window to delete. The system may warn you that this isn't a good idea and will at least ask if you are sure you want it done - answer yes. When Windows reboots, the worst that is likely to happen would be that it would load generic drivers and that is where you started. If it works properly, it should allow you to install your Nvidia drivers.

Fourth, once your drivers are installed, you may need to adjust some of your video properties. Post back here if that is needed.

Budfred

[mjc]

If your video drivers are currently setup for Standard SVGA you should be able to manually delete the ATI files. It would be best if you had a list of exactly what files were in the driver package.

Also, if you attempted to install the GeForce and some of the driver fles got written you may have to manually remove them too.

What drivers are you trying to use for the GeForce?

The set on the CD or have you downloaded updated ones from Nvidia?

[Carola]

Budfred,

Thanks ... usually a BLACK DOT is a *BAD* thing!? Yikes! :)

I understand CLEARLY as to what you suggest, ... what I am UNSURE about is HOW to find and KNOW where/which driver to select, to reboot Windows. Update driver in device manager? Windows 98 CD? Sorry. I DO think I have adjusted the display properties correctly (resolution and colors?), ... unless I am missing something here ... LIKE A MANUAL ...... ????

Obviously, I have not attempted anything yet, ... and still don't understand WHY (*WARNING ... SHUT DOWN*) it didn't allow me to remove the ATI drivers from the add/remove software??? Perhaps you are thinking the *warning* was because I need to ensure I have the proper drivers to reboot???

MJC, ... thank you.

Oh no! ... This is the SCARY part ... I am NOT confident as to what drivers I am using. Is there another/new way to find out more detail that hasn't already been outlined here?

How do I find out if my drivers are currently set at the SVGA? I have posted a list below of what I HAVE found (included are the drivers I GUESS I am using for the GeForce). I don't know how to tell if some of the GeForce files got written?

I am quite POSITIVE I installed the drivers from the CD:

After the hardware for the GF2 was installed and after the first intial boot, it prompted me on the screen ... "detect new hardware". I put the CD in and everything happened so quick and vague .... it is very unclear to me what actually took place. It did ask to search for the best/most suitable driver ... and if I can remember correctly, .. I **think** I just clicked on the D: DRIVE and before I new it, ... it was done. It never indicated to me WHAT was selcected and nothing ever came up on the screen to inform me the process was COMPLETE???

However, this is what I HAVE found:

-My Computer-C: Drive: -ATI-gart/install/support
-My Computer-C: Drive: -Program Files-Diamond/setup
-My Computer-C: Drive: -Drivers/Mnstr2207
-My Computer-Control Panel: -NVIDIANview/contains desktop manager
-My Computer-Control Panel: -ODBC Data Sources?/ MicrosoftDrivers/ Access/DBase/Excel/FoxPro/Paradox/Text/VisualFoxPro .... pooling???

-Device Manager-Display Adaptors: -NVidiaGeforce2MX400/DriverDetails/C:
\Windows\System\NVDISP.DRV - NVMINI.VXD - vmm32.vxd (vdd.vxd)

-Add/Remove Programs: ATI Display Driver/ATI mach64 Display Driver
NVIDIA Windows 95/98/ME Display Drivers

Thank you .... hopefully this problem will soon be resolved and result in a wonderful learning experience! :) :) :) Carola.

[mjc]

Ok, use the Add/Remove programs entry to uninstall the ATI drivers.....

Then boot into safe mode and check device manager to see if more than one display adapter is listed...

To get into safemode you can either configure a menu with msconfig, or hit F8 while booting to bring up the menu.

[gwallen4]

Carol,

It's a little difficult to figure out with all the long posts what you've tried and what you haven't.

The newest drivers for your video card are the ones on the nvidia site:

http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

This is where you download the Detonator software which supports your card. On this web page you have to select 'graphics driver', 'Geforce', and your operating system which I guess is Win98. I hope you have a broadband connection to the internet because the download file is 8 MB.

Follow mjc's direction for getting rid of the old drivers. Then run the downloaded Detonator software.

Also, download DirectX 8.0b from the following site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/downloads/default.asp

If this doesn't cure your video woes, I would strongly suspect a bad video card.

[Carola]

MJC,

OK, .... I **understand** what to do. However, my computer will NOT let me REMOVE ATI Display Driver. I keep getting "illegal operation ... will be shut down" WARNING. It is titled "RUNDLL32" and the details start with ...."RUNDLL32 caused an invalid page fault in module ATIIIExx.DLL at 015f:1000f205 ....."

It WILL let me remove ATI Mach64 Display Driver (that -sounds- like it's for Machintosh???) However, I was apprehensive to do so until I got more feedback .... It said it WOULD unintall ATI Desktop (sounds safe) but also **all other active applications will be termitated** (makes sense --but-- definte uncertainty there). :confused:

:) :) I don't know if this helps: ... ??? ... but when I went into the System Configuration Utility, .... under "Start Up", ... I noticed two things (RELATED???) to the WARNING. Both were ENABLED and titled <1> Loan Power Profile--Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrent Pwrscheme <2> NvCplDaemon--RUNDLL32EXENvQTwk,VnCplDaemon initialize.

I MUST say, .... dealing with this is MUCH better whilst ingesting some GOOD Vietnamese. :D

Thank you again! Carola.

[Carola]

Gwallen4 ...

Ugh .... NOW --I-- am sooo embarrassed :eek: ... --BUT-- ... ASK ... and ye shall learn ....

I HAVE DirectX 8.1 .... is that better or worse? I thought it was the most recent and updated version. :o Yikes!

Thanks for the links! :) Carola.

[gwallen4]

Sorry, My error - I meant download DirectX 8.1b (not 8.0b).

DirectX 8.1(a) had some errors. 8.1b can be downloaded from the address I posted. If you already have it, downloading and reinstalling will not hurt.

To remove video drivers:

1) Boot to Windows Safe Mode by repeatedly pressing F8 when it says Starting Windows (or during the whole boot). Windows will tell you that you are in Safe Mode. You will be in VGA mode 640x480 16 colors. If your desktop doesn't fill the screen, use your monitor buttons to adjust it. If you can't adjust it to fit - the video card or monitor is bad. If everything looks okay (no funny lines, etc.) you are good to go.

2) Go to device manager and remove all video drivers.

3) Reboot

4) When Windows restarts it should tell you that it detected your video card.

5) Cancel all the video card driver install windows.

6) Then run the Detonator software.

7) Reboot, then you should be able to adjust your screen resolution and color depth.

Good luck

[Rick]

Us e the add/remove program icon to remove ANY and ALL ATI and Diamond
Software

Follow the advice above to remove the old drivers and cards listed in device manager

When you finish removing the programs and drivers for the ATI and the Diamond You can then Delete the old folders and drivers / upgrades for those two old cards..

Install the Nvidia drivers and updates for direct X
You should then be up and running.

The illegal operation your getting may be the Rundll is accessing the Old diamond or ati drivers but not using them.


Before you delete the old driver folders.
Check for setup for a remove feature
You can run the setup and see if it has that feature
If not Don’t allow it to complete Just quit the setup

[Carola]

Aaaaaaaaargh!!!!!

... There's NO **PROFANITY** allowed on this forum .. correct!? :mad:

Thank you AGAIN Gwallen4 and Rick!

It turns out my PC DID NOT like/want F8 .... so I looked it up and used the CTRL key. WONDERFUL! I was in SAFE MODE! ...... Of course, I try to REMOVE the ATI drivers and FUGGETABOUTIT!!! :eek: ... Same thing as before. YIKES!!!

THE FANTASTIC THING :D :D :D ....... Although very READABLE as a result of being BIG, .... the PICTURE looked FANTASTIC! Yipee!!

Well, ..... ummmm, ... perhaps I could just DELETE the ATI files from the --My Computer--C: Drive-- ??? I've been WARNED before about doing it that way, ... I don't know.

I have also successfully downloaded the new (detonator???) driver from Nvidia. I have it saved in a file I previously named "Drivers". How ORIGINAL ... (?!?)

Between dealing with THIS ... and letting the DOG in and out .... in and out .... in and out .... WOW! :rolleyes:

I must depart this MISSION for the moment ... and will check in later! HOPEFULLY you wonderful GEEK MASTERS will have helped me further. (I don't blame ANYONE if you give up) (Although if actually IN FRONT of my PC you could probably FIX IT just in time for a freshly brewed cup of coffee) ........ THIS WOULD DESERVE FANCY GLASS CONTAINED WITH THE ITALIANS' ***FAVORITE*** DRINK!!! :)

Thank you again! Carola :) :) :)

[Budfred]

Carola,

I tried to research the Rundll32 problem and couldn't find anything helpful. Then I had another thought.:) Since you can use Safe Mode to get in to your computer, you could back everything up, reformat and start over with a clean install. This would eliminate most, if not all, of the problems you have noted.

If you opt to do this, set things up carefully. Make sure you have a Windows Startup disk with CD support. Make sure you make copies of any files that cannot be replaced. Make sure you have all the driver files that you will need to reinstall the system.

After you have done all of that, you would use your Startup disk to load at boot, pick to start with CD support and once you get to the A: prompt, you would type C: and hit Enter. The type format C: and hit Enter. It will ask if you want to proceed and note that all data will be lost on C:. Indicate that this is ok and it will format. This will take a while, so make that cup of coffee you were talking about. When it is done, put your Windows install CD in the drive and type D: and hit Enter. When you are in D:, type Setup and hit Enter. This should start your Windows install. Follow the instructions from there to reload your drivers and set up your system. If it doesn't start Setup, try typing E: and Enter, then Setup and Enter. Sometimes the Startup disk creates a virtual disk on D: and renames your CD to E:.

This is a hassle, but may actually take less time than trying to solve it the other way. It will also clean up any junk that has accumulated over time, so your system may run smoother. Some people do this periodically for that reason.

Let us know if you opt to do this and how it works.

Budfred

[gwallen4]

Carola,

Are you trying to remove the drivers in Device Manager in Safe Mode?

[Carola]

Budfred,

Thanks for taking the time to research the RUNDALL and posting the advice. :)

The "backup" idea sounds GREAT .... my PC could use a good CLEAN-UP, however, admittedly, doing as you suggest prompts EVEN MORE QUESTIONS ..... YIKES! :eek: For example ... would I have to backup EVERY SINGLE FILE on my ENTIRE system??? Although the experimental type, ... I don't think I am savvy or familiar enough to make that attempt. I would need a complete and detailed STEP BY STEP ... I think that would certainly be ... HELP B E Y O N D HELP ... (!?!?!) :eek:

Gwallen4,

No, ... I did NOT try to remove the drivers from the "Device Manager" in the SAFE MODE. The ONLY attempt I made was to remove the "ATI" drivers from the "Add/Remove" programs (in SAFE MODE). (I thought I'd go with the STUBBORN one first) :rolleyes:

Thanks again! Carola. :D

[gwallen4]

All sorts of things will keep you from removing programs with Add/Remove Programs. Since that's not working just delete the folders that contain those programs and make sure you have removed the drivers in Device Manager before installing the new driver.

[gwallen4]

Carola,

This is not brain surgery. Nothing bad can happen.

Just delete the old drivers in Device Manager and install the Detonator drivers.

[Budfred]

Carola,

For backing up, you would only need to back up the files that you can't reload from the program disk, although you can back up the entire system if you really want to. The problem with backing it all up is that you will back up the garbage with the jewels.

If you have a CDR, it is fairly simple to back up important files. I usually back up my document files, pictures, music, and downloads. I usually keep all of these in the "My Documents" folder, so I can just back up the folder. I also back up my Netscape Bookmarks and email files. I have some games that I wouldn't be able to find easily again, so I will back them up (this won't work with complex games because they have pieces all over the place). I back up things I have scanned that I might not have transferred to My Documents, like rebate offers. That is mostly it and it all comes to a couple of hundred megs on a CDR usually, mainly due to pictures. If you have a lot of music or video files, it could be quite a lot larger.

If you don't have a CDR, let us know what you have that can save files and we can work with that. If all you have is a floppy, it could be a long process and some things won't back up because they are too big. Also, I have lost track of what version of Windows you are using, so it would be helpful if you would note that again.

If what gwallen is suggesting works, you wouldn't necessarily need to reformat/reload, but it may be worthwhile anyway if you can back everything up and have the install disks available to rebuild your files.

Budfred

[Carola]

Gwallen4,

OK. I am going to just delete everything and go for the INSTALL!

Hey! I know this is NOT brain surgery ... but it WOULD be BAD if I lost many of my saved files; certainly NOT a CRISIS, but a HUGE HASSLE! :eek:

Budfred,

Thanks for the INFO! :)

Unfortunately I DON'T have a CDR, I'd be working with a floppy, and I have "Windows '98".

By the way, ... I read all the posting to ENKK! That is just THE BEST! I LOVED IT! Very enjoyable ... a GREAT read!

Carola. :D

[Budfred]

Carola,

If you have to use floppies to back up, it is a drag, but may be worthwhile. A couple of other alternatives:

1. If you know anyone who has an external CDR, Zip drive, tape drive or any other mass storage device that can be plugged into your computer, you could use that to back up and then restore those files as soon as you finished reloading Win98 so that you can give the drive back to the person you borrowed it from.

2. If you can access the internet, there are places that you can download files to for storage and backup. I think some of them are free below a certain amount of storage.

3. If you can afford it, you can buy small storage devices that plug into a USB port and will store a bunch of data. However, for about the same price you can buy an external Zip drive or even a slow external CDR.

4. Theoretically you could link that computer with the computer you are using to connect to the web (assuming it is a different one) and transfer files to backup. However, that is beyond my ability to explain at the moment.

Go ahead and try to delete those drivers, it is unlikely to hurt anything. If you end up still stuck, we can look at the reformat/reload option again.

Budfred

[RKBA]

It occurs to me that Carola may not know what "delete the old drivers in Device Manager" means. One way to get to device manager in Win98 is to right click on "My Computer", select "Properties", then click on the "Device Manager" tab. Once there, find the display adaptor for your video graphics card, right click it, and select "Uninstall." Ignore all warning messages. Below is a picture of device manager for Win2K - it's the same as for Win98 except that Win98 has tabs at the top.

One general comment: I get the impression that Carola may be in too much of a hurry for her own good. I would recommend to Carola that she slow down and take things one step at a time. Get out a pencil and paper and jot things down as you go along. It's not necessary to write down all the details of every message that pops up, but don't instinctively click on every message box. Take your time, read the messages and try to understand what you're doing before you do it. Knowing where you've been is essential in order to avoid going around in circles.

You also might want to put your general location in your profile, because it's possible that someone might be willing to step you through the problem on the telephone if you were in their local calling area.

-- Ron

[gwallen4]

My final words of advice:

1) Back up your files - most people can backup the files they really need on a couple of floppies just using drag and drop.

2) Try to remove the old drivers and install the new drivers.

3) If it doesn't work, you can always reformat and reinstall Win98 and you'll still have your files.

Good luck again.

[Carola]

I ... am ... POOPED!

I removed EVERY SINGLE video card/driver related item (save for standard VGA) from my PC. (I also found MORE in the WINDOWS folder .... never thought to check there before, ... just did it instinctively), however the ATI Display Driver (in ADD/REMOVE) will NOT BUDGE.

When I tried to re-install the new drivers ... it couldn't locate them ... and NO! It was ***not*** ME getting CONFUSED! Apparantly the PC was CONFUSED!!! I wound up taking my PC to a friendly store called "Megahurtz", and the technician experienced the same problems. He searched around and found a COUPLE more (also in Windows) --kind-of-buried-and-hidden, ... removed them ... and VOILA! FINALLY SUCCESS!!! The ATI Display Driver appears to be EVERY MAN'S ENEMY, ... as the technician couldn't get rid of it either. He suggested the ONLY way was to do this backup/cleanup you have --ALL-- recommended.

Anyways, ... I am all up and RUNNING! :) Unfortunately, I still have those double/faint vertical lines on my screen. Unless, this ATI Disply Driver is the culprit, ... it MUST be either my MONITOR or VIDEO CARD. (THE LINES **DO NOT** MOVE when I ADJUST THE HORIZONTAL on my monitor, but DO disappear when in SAFE MODE .... hmmm .. on SECOND thought ... that does NOT sound like a problem with the MONITOR)

RKBA, ..... is my posting THAT BAD??? :eek: Sorry, I guess it all IS lengthy and NOT the most orderly, but don't worry, my navigational skills are OK. :) Thank you for adding the picture and detail.

I want to thank EVERYONE for all your help! :) I am going to give this a break for now, ... perhaps (next couple of weeks) bring my monitor in for a check-up. DEFINITELY do the backup/cleanup in the near future. :)

If it's not too much trouble .... one FINAL question: As I initially had TWO video cards and now have ONE, ... there is a SPACE on the back of my motherboard case. Knowing that DUST can be EVIL and HARMFUL ... should I .. and what can I use to cover it up???

Have a FANTASTIC weekend! Carola. :D :D :D

[Rick]

A slot cover works best.
The shop that removed the drivers should have seen that and replaced it

Cover it..

[Budfred]

This may be irrelevant at this point, but that thing about RUNDLL32 was bugging me and I figured out why. There is a reference to it here:

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/startup_full.htm#R

That includes the assurance that you can safely turn it off. If you still need to try to delete those driver files, you could turn RUNDLL32 off and then try the Add/Remove. You would do this by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del once, selecting RUNDLL32 and End Task. Wait for the confirmation and close it. Then go to Add/Remove and see if you can get that thing completely out of there. It may be too late to do that now, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

Budfred

[Carola]

Hi there!

Rick,

Thanks. The guy who initially built my PC seems to have misplaced the "slot cover" it originally came with ..... You know, ... I DID mention that to the place when/where I purchased the GeForce2, ... (not "Megahurtz") ... and they told me it was NO BIG DEAL! :mad: ... same with the "vertical" lines (called and asked) ... "If they are very faint, ... JUST --IGNORE-- IT". At times, .. it sure can be HARD to get good and SINCERE SUPPORT these days. :( ... Glad I've LIVED enough and learned about the great 'ol INNER INSTICT! :D I must say, ... WHEN I DO find a GREAT extablishment (with regards to just about anything/everything), ... I STICK with it/them!

Could I just use ELECTRICAL tape as a TEMPORARY FIX ... ???

Budfred,

I DON'T think that is IRRELEVANT ... :D In fact, ... I am DELIGHTED that you were intrigued and researched; I want to KNOW too!! :) I have a WEDDING to go to today, ... :eek: (not the GIRLIE loves weddings type) ... :eek: ... I also want to get a bit of "gamin'" in before I depart .... DOUBLE :eek: ... :rolleyes: !!!! However, ... Budfred, ... I will DEFINITELY attempt that ... and ESPECIALLY as a result of all your WONDERFUL support, ... I will keep you POSTED as a future reference .... and I guess ummm, .. PRECEDENT. :D

Thank you again EVERYONE!
Carola.

[Rick]

Yes you can use ½ inch Electrical tape or something on that line to cover the slot

next time you visit a shop that builds systems
Just ask for a spare they have laying around.
Most companies have too many filling parts bins anyways ..

I would also follow the link Provided by Budfred and get rid of all the Old items
running anything ATI.
Then Before you reboot.
Reinstall the new drivers and/or DirectX to get the correct system files working
You may find that Rundll32 will be restarted after a reboot with the correct driver.

Can’t say that it will cure the lines But it can’t hurt

[Carola]

Thank you Rick! :)

I will DEFINITELY do as you suggest! :)

This may be a little premature (or irrelevant), ... but I thought this morning to give Sony a call. (Monitor - CPD 210GS) I performed a self-diagnostic test on my monitor, and to my --SURPRISE-- I only had THREE color bars appear where there should have been FOUR. Strange. :confused: I TRULY did not think this was a MONITOR problem (perhaps something entirely different ... Oh Noooo!) The picture on my screen does LOOK GREAT (save for the vertical lines), and as I had mentioned before, they disappear in SAFE MODE.

Still, IN MY GUT (and of course with all the FANTASTIC help and input), I feel that the lines are MOST CERTAINLY driver/video card related, as ALL OF THIS began AFTER I put in the new card. I am waiting to speak with the technician from Sony, .... I am very curious and interested to see what the outcome ... (also to find out if my warranty is still CURRENT .... YIKES! :eek: )

Thank you again ... EVERYONE ... I will keep you posted. (Might take a short while as I have a rather busy/demanding week.) :eek:

Carola. :)

[LadyGrey]

Hi Carola,
Just my 2 cents here, but I just got through upgrading my old Voodoo 2 to a Gforce 2 mx 400 and I remember reading somewhere in the install instructions that when you rebooted windows it would come up with the "add new hardware" screen and you should cancel that. Then install from the CD that came with your new card. That's what I did and I didn't have any problems at all. I sure hope you get it going, I know what it's like to have a computer go crazy on ya. Best Wishes, LG;)

[Carola]

Hi LadyGrey,

Thank you for the TWO CENTS; ... all this wonderful input is PRICELESS! Oh nooo! ... Does THAT sound like an ADVERTISEMENT (?!) EEEkkk! :eek:

Hmmm ... that's VERY interesting. .. Did your GF2 come WITH a manual? and/or .. did you find information somewhere on the new files in the CONTROL PANEL? (I looked --everywhere-- (DO have desktop, etc.) ... with NO luck; found some on the Nvida website.)

At least now that the technician *discovered* the couple more OLD DRIVERS stashed away in the WINDOWS folder (save for that STUBBORN ATI DISPLAY DRIVER), ... I SHOULD be able to try what you suggest as PRIOR to taking my PC to "Megahurtz", ... the "ADD NEW HARDWARE" was FROZEN on my screen ... couldn't CANCEL .. NOTHING. :rolleyes:

Wow! ... (typical look at the CLOCK) ... :eek: !!!

BEST WISHES ... FOR ... EVERYONE!!! :D

[Carola]

Ok. .. here is the feedback: ':)'

-DISABLED RUNDLL32/Load Power Profile(TWO of them)/NvpCplDaemon
(CTRL-ALT-DEL didn't have it; used System Configuration Utility)
-Could NOT remove *STUBBORN* ATI DISPLAY DRIVER
-Noted reference (DIFFERENT WARNING) to ATIIIEXX.DLL
-Did a FILE SEARCH on ATI - LOCATED ATIIIEXX.DLL
-DELETED ATIIIEXX.DLL (Application Extenstion/.INF File Installer)
-Tried AGAIN to REMOVE ATI DISPLAY DRIVER (NO)
-ENABLED RUNDLL32 --without-- ATIIIEXX.DLL (NO)

No HORSESHOES lately! :eek: Spoke with the technician from Sony who informed me the troubleshooting message was incorrect; only THREE color bars should appear. The monitor SHOULD BE in good working order, although he was skeptical as to the VERTICAL LINES. I HONESTLY HEARD the CORRECT RECORDING ... I SWEAR it wasn't ME, I even DOUBLE-CHECKED!

I am going to take my computer and connect it to another monitor to help (hopefully) eliminate ONE possible CULPRIT. (Don't think so; screen looks OK, as I've mentioned, in the BIOS/SAFE MODE)

After this message, I am going to do another FILE SEARCH on anything containing "ATI" and DELETE ... EVERYTHING ... that has the INSTALLATION DATE. If that ATI DISPLAY DRIVER is --STILL-- there ... I will again try "DISABLED RUNDLL32" .... --and-- RE-INSTALL DirectX/New Drivers.

It would appear that the BACKUP/CLEANUP is a MUST DO! :eek: :)

Wow! I MUST say, ... you guys sure HUNG IN THERE and really helped me out --A LOT--! I've LEARNED quite a bit too! You guys are GREAT!
:D :D :D

Thank you again! Carola.