Desktop will not display

Varmint · 05-21-2008, 07:01 PM

Hey guys I am having a big problem. I downloaded the newest drivers for the nVidia 8xxx series. Unloaded the old ones via add/remove programs, ran drive sweep on nVidia display, and rebooted. Now my desktop will not display. I can see the BIOS screen, everything up till the windows load bar finishes.After the load bar for windows finishes, I hear the password screen come up, and I can type the pass and pull up the desktop, just cant see it. My keyboard also will only work on the BIOS screen, eliminating the possibility of starting in safe mode... Im ok at building stuff, but I am a novice with software...Captain Obvious here. What to do?
Perhaps a cmos clear?

rabb1t · 05-21-2008, 07:59 PM

My only guess would be to shut down, then while the system is off, swap the port the DVI plug is in on the graphics card.

If you are lucky when windows starts it will detect the different port, say 'hey system, we need to reset the output' and whatever is wrong will be auto-corrected.

The only other thing I could think of is if you have on-motherboard graphics to remove the graphics card (obviously after shut down), restart with the on-motherboard chip. Remove the new drivers, shut down, put the card back in, then when it boots in normal / generic mode, install the old drivers.

The only other thing I can think of is that you accidently also removed other Nvidia drivers that are critical, such as motherboard drivers.

Varmint · 05-21-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabb1t

My only guess would be to shut down, then while the system is off, swap the port the DVI plug is in on the graphics card.

If you are lucky when windows starts it will detect the different port, say 'hey system, we need to reset the output' and whatever is wrong will be auto-corrected.

The only other thing I could think of is if you have on-motherboard graphics to remove the graphics card (obviously after shut down), restart with the on-motherboard chip. Remove the new drivers, shut down, put the card back in, then when it boots in normal / generic mode, install the old drivers.

The only other thing I can think of is that you accidently also removed other Nvidia drivers that are critical, such as motherboard drivers.

I am afraid you are right, and there is no on board graphics

./wrists
I tried switching ports, resetting cmos to optimized values. I did get a safe mode option after trying to get an old ati card to boot, but the keyboard would not allow me to move to it.

rabb1t · 05-21-2008, 08:05 PM

Do you have an old-school keyboard that might work? They are like $10 if you don't.

Varmint · 05-21-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabb1t

Do you have an old-school keyboard that might work? They are like $10 if you don't.

Non usb? No i could get one. Do you think that is why it is not recognized before the OS boots? If so, is there an easier way to get a safe mode option that installing the old card again?(I tried an old ATI card hoping there would be drivers for that brand, after reboot I got the screen asking what mode to start in, but no keyboard) haha...Or what would you suggest at this point, assuming the keyboard works?

rabb1t · 05-21-2008, 08:13 PM

That's the only reason why I could think that the system won't see it. If you did an oopsie, like remove critical drivers, that might be why it doesn't recognize a USB one. (Though those should only kick in with windows.)

The only way I know of to get to safe mode is F4. If your keyboard isn't recognized you have no option to push F4, heh.

The only other thing I can think of is if maybe Windows has some kind of safe mode default if you boot with the Windows disk in the drive on an existing install. (Though I'd think that would just put it into 'would you like to install windows' mode.)

rabb1t · 05-21-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varmint

I did get a safe mode option after trying to get an old ati card to boot, but the keyboard would not allow me to move to it.

This might be the way to go. Get a keyboard that's old-school, boot with the ATi, stick with generic windows drivers, remove the new Nvidia drivers, then shut down and put the Nvidia card back in. Should boot with generic drivers then, and you can go back to the old drivers.

I have a feeling that cleaner cleaned something it wasn't supposed to though.

Varmint · 05-21-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabb1t

That's the only reason why I could think that the system won't see it. If you did an oopsie, like remove critical drivers, that might be why it doesn't recognize a USB one. (Though those should only kick in with windows.)

The only way I know of to get to safe mode is F4. If your keyboard isn't recognized you have no option to push F4, heh.

The only other thing I can think of is if maybe Windows has some kind of safe mode default if you boot with the Windows disk in the drive on an existing install. (Though I'd think that would just put it into 'would you like to install windows' mode.)

No discs in the drives. So, the F4 thing for safe mode...when exactly is F4 pushed? its odd I can use my keyboard to access and navigate the BIOS menu, but nothing else. I will go get a non USB board here in a bit.
The plan: Get non USB board. Either put the old ati card in again and hope for the safe mode option or use F4 to enter safe mode, praying the keyboard works.
If I can just get the stupid desktop up Im golden heh.
What do you think? I am also 100 % positive driver sweeper only got ran on the display drivers. if it did gankorize other drivers it did so w/o my knowledge! I blame driver sweeper, but dont know exactly wtf it did!
Leaving to get the board , Ill post when I return. Ty for the help.

Varmint · 05-21-2008, 11:33 PM

I figured out how to get the safe mode (F8) on my mobo. The guy at the local shop told me to try a usb to ps2 adapter before buying a new keyboard. I have done this, but it was not detected at all. I suppose I will go tomorrow and get the actual keyboard. If that fails it will be going to the local PC shop on Friday I guess

rabb1t · 05-22-2008, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varmint

I blame driver sweeper, but dont know exactly wtf it did!

Yeah, I actually don't use a driver cleaner myself unless something is going wrong. Typically I just install the new drivers, then if things seem fine after some tests, I'll manually delete the folder with the old drivers.

Quote:

Leaving to get the board , Ill post when I return. Ty for the help.

I hope we figure things out. It would be sad if something were perma broken or there was something wrong (like the MB being broken)

Varmint · 05-22-2008, 07:50 PM

God I hope not, the machine was running flawlessy for weeks before this. Surely it is just some borked drivers. I suppose I will find out tomorrow. I am taking the machine in and they will test the components to see whats up. Ill let you know.
The mobo is detecting all drives, all my RAM. CPU shows to be receiving power and give its normal temp readings. This gives me hope. SO, I will return tomorrow as soon as I get back.

Amsra · 05-22-2008, 10:07 PM

To me, it very much sounds as if the driver cleaner zapped yer mobo drivers along with the graphics..... Hope you get it fixed soon

Varmint · 05-23-2008, 06:13 PM

The guy at the shop fixed my comp. His son was there when I picked it up, so I will call tomorrow or Tuesday to try to find out exactly what happened.
I have learned ...re-enforced a lesson already learned. I know it is foolish to run programs such as driver sweeper w/o full knowledge of what is going on.
I will post the fix, and some pics of the machine asap. Ty guys for your advice.
Looking at the receipt tells me he reinstalled the video drivers off the original disc. Stating the obvious once more hehe, just curious exactly whathe did to do it!