Computer freezing problems after driver update

kadjk

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Nov 25, 2009
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Hello,

I wasn't sure where to post this exactly so I'm doing it here. Sorry if its the wrong place.

So, I'm running an Asus laptop with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870. Yesterday, I was updating the driver and watching a DVD at the same time, which I guess was a mistake. As it was updating, I got a BSOD. I should have investigated it there but I didn't, the dummy that I am. I restarted the computer and re-updated and it finished without a problem and I thought all was dandy.

Today, I was playing a game (Heroes of Newerth and WC3) and I noticed flickering of the graphics. And at one point, my screen went totally black for a few seconds. Thinking that maybe the new driver was the problem, I reverted back to an older driver. I still had the flickering. So I uninstalled the driver all together and updated it again and now my computer is freezing. It flickers a few times, then freezes with a striped screen.

I am at a loss. What should I do?

Thank you

Side note: While watching stuff (dvd and online) and doing less gpu intensive stuff, I have absolutely no problem. It's just when I'm playing a game.

Edit: it is getting worse. I tried doing a complete removal of all ati related things and reinstalling and that didn't work...any help?
 

StrelokS

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Jul 1, 2013
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Hey man I had a similar issue some time ago(year or two).

I updated my graphics drivers on a outdated Windows 7(I basically did not update my Windows ever since I bought my PC).

So what happened is I got a BSOD every time I would try to update my drivers.

After some research I found out that my outdated Windows was the problem.

The way I see it you have a major problem with drivers there.

Tell you what, the best thing you can do is completely reinstall your Windows and update it, then download all of the required drivers.

On the other hand you might have downloaded the wrong drivers for you graphics card.

I would suggest you to find a software that automatically updates drivers or at least gives you the links to the download page.

I suggest you to try these:
http://www.iobit.com/driver-booster.php
http://www.driver-soft.com/
http://drp.su/download.htm
 

MEMOFLEX

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I find that mine automatically does one when I do driver upgrades. Is it a case of there are none available?

Edit : What version of windows are you using? 32 or 64 bit?
 

MEMOFLEX

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No worries buddy. Its a real pain when these kind of things happen. What version of windows is it btw ie xp, 7 or 8?

When you mentioned you have tried to clear all traces of AMD drivers is that with the AMD utility, manually or using a program such as driversweeper for example?

 

kadjk

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Nov 25, 2009
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Ah sorry. It's windows 7 64bit.

I went into control panel to delete AMD Catalyst Install manager. Then I went and deleted manually whatever was left over. Then I uninstalled the driver completely.

Edit: I'd rather not reinstall windows but if it is the easier alternative, please say so. I don't want to be a bother hah
 

MEMOFLEX

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Hey buddy it aint a problem at all. Not if we get the problem sorted haha. So you have used a driver sweeping program? Just want to make sure is all. Driver sweeper has had mixed results for me in the past but graphics drivers it has always done well with. If you have already then I am running out of suggestions without suggesting playing with the registry which I only do myself and don't advise if not sure. If you haven't then try this link : http://www.guru3d.com/files_details/guru3d_driver_sweeper_(no_installer).html and run picking the amd ones if required.

Reinstall and see if it is sorted. If not then I would recommend getting ready for a OS reinstall if that is what is going to have to happen. By this I mean getting the latest drivers for laptop from manufacturers website (disk that came with it will be out of date by now i expect), latest AMD drivers (stable) and any drivers for printers etc.

Make sure you have installation disks for all your software and any web profiles (firefox etc) are backed up along with all personal files etc. If you are a gamer make sure that save games are there as well.

Once you are happy then reinstall but for speed I would swap your installation files to a usb if possible as I find its a lot quicker although not necessary if you don't feel comfortable.

If you do it this way I find it not to be too much of a hassle as you have everything to go and your drivers are there should you need them again in the future (although hopefully not :D).

Anyway this is largely pointless if the driver sweeper works.