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Original poster

Blue screen with loads of writing on start up

47 replies

MollieO · 14/12/2010 20:01

Problem with my laptop. On starting a blue coloured screen flashes up telling me there is a problem but it doesn't stay long enough for me to actually read. How do I get to read what it says?

OP posts:

thisisyesterday · 14/12/2010 21:17

you can download a new driver from here hopefully

Original poster

MollieO · 14/12/2010 21:20

Can I uninstall and reinstall in safe mode? What happens to my computer if I can't reinstall?

Could I just do a system restore to a date say a couple of weeks ago? Would that make any difference? Thx for your help!

OP posts:

thisisyesterday · 14/12/2010 21:21

you should be able to. it's designed to let you go and fix stuff like this

usualsuspect · 14/12/2010 21:33

Can you try last known good configuration in safe mode

Original poster

MollieO · 14/12/2010 21:33

I can't connect to the Internet in safe mode so I assume there is no way of installing a new graphics card. Is it a quick job for a computer repair company?

OP posts:

usualsuspect · 14/12/2010 21:35

safe mode with networking should get you on the internet

mrsgordonfreeman · 14/12/2010 21:36

It is but they will charge you ££££ for it.

Do you know anyone who has access to the internet that could download the driver onto a cd or memory stick for you?

Original poster

MollieO · 14/12/2010 21:39

Last configuration gets me the blue screen. Safe mode doesn't give me Internet access. Internet access is wifi so if I plugged the cable into the computer would that give me Internet access? Don't want to try if there is no way it would work as it is a major faff to do.

OP posts:

Original poster

MollieO · 14/12/2010 21:42

That's an idea. Yes I should be able to get someone to download it if safe mode with networking or system restore doesn't work. Thx

OP posts:

Original poster

MollieO · 14/12/2010 22:24

Ok am on the Internet but the Nvdia site automatic scan doesn't work. Which product type etc do I need? The details on the computer just say it is a Nvdia driver.

OP posts:

mummylin2495 · 14/12/2010 23:05

i had to have a new graphics card about two weeks ago and it cost £69.The shop only had it a couple of hoursand if you knew someone who could put it in for you you would only have to buy the card.Card was £44 the rest was labour.

Original poster

MollieO · 15/12/2010 01:07

Downloaded and installed new graphics driver computer restarted automatically. Screen came on briefly (am using a separate monitor which has been working fine all evening) and then went on to standby. Felt chuffed that I'd sorted graphics driver but wonder what I've done now. All help so far is much appreciated but if anyone can answer this I'd be eternally grateful. Am sick of MNetting on my IPhone and keen to save my photos on my laptop!

OP posts:

BadgersPaws · 15/12/2010 09:55

This might be a silly question but did you download and install the right driver? How did you know which one to get?

Original poster

MollieO · 15/12/2010 10:05

Not a silly question. Googled the spec of my computer to find out which one. Had tried to download other versions of the driver but they wouldn't install as they couldn't find compatible hardware. Finally engaged brain googled and got correct one. Downloaded and installed fine including automatic restart. Got to first screen and then the monitor went into standby without going any further. Disconnected monitor and tried again but screen wouldnt work. Think I need to pay someone to fix it now!

OP posts:

BadgersPaws · 15/12/2010 10:11

For now you could boot up in safe mode and remove the driver.

Original poster

MollieO · 15/12/2010 10:44

Thx. Have got it working in safe mode. What I dont understand is why it installed the driver if it wasn't the right one (and it had refused to instal other versions as it said no compatible hardware found). Very

OP posts:

NetworkGuy · 15/12/2010 13:08

mummylin - unlikely so easy to change graphics on laptop - presumably your PC is desktop style with easily replaced cards in one section and socket on back of PC for monitor.

Original poster

MollieO · 15/12/2010 13:22

I've got someone coming over this afternoon. Not sure what he'll charge but he's recommended by a friend so knows what he's doing and hopefully won't overcharge.

OP posts:

mummylin2495 · 15/12/2010 16:27

yes networkguy,you are correct mine is a pc.And i wouldnt have a clue where to put the card but i do know it just plugs in.I just assumed it would be the same on a laptop.

bluebump · 15/12/2010 16:39

We call it the blue screen of death too thisisyesterday as does my friend who works for Hewlett Packard! My old laptop had this and then worked for a tiny bit longer before packing up.

BadgersPaws · 16/12/2010 10:41

"My old laptop had this and then worked for a tiny bit longer before packing up."

The cause of a BSOD can be hardware related, particularly the memory, but the most common cause is a bad driver, so don't give up hope just yet...

Did the person coming over fix the problem?

Original poster

MollieO · 16/12/2010 15:13

I think the same will happen to mine. Everything is backed up so won't be the end of the world if it does die. It is 4 yrs old (thought it was 6) and hasn't gone wrong before. Computer chap very helpful and has taken it away to see if he can resusitate it.

OP posts:

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