How do I install a video card driver, when I don't have windows installed and have no on board graphics?

[1criticthatmatters]

I just finished building my computer, I have no on board graphics and I'm trying to install a Sapphire 7770 1gb driver, but can't see what I'm doing because there's no video. How do I install a driver without video?

 

[JimF_35]

You boot Windows to Safemode and install the driver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzfq-zKNbQs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJPX3WkjPEQ

If that does not work I would get a cheepy on eBay that Windows has built-in drivers for.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Long before on board GFX you could install windows and drivers. Windows has a basic video driver which will give you "video" to allow you to install the 7770 drivers.

 

[1criticthatmatters]

my motherboard does not have a vga, hdmi, or dvi port built in, so I installed a Sapphire 7770. There is still no video and when I put the windows cd in, it does nothing to help? What do I do?

 

[JimF_35]

my motherboard does not have a vga, hdmi, or dvi port built in, so I installed a Sapphire 7770. There is still no video and when I put the windows cd in, it does nothing to help? What do I do?

This sounds like a deeper problem. I assumed you were just not getting into windows but it sounds like you are not getting any video at all even at post. That points to a hardware problem. I would start by checking the power connector on the back top of your video card. Make sure it is seated properly. You could try swapping the cord out with one of the other PCIe power connectors to make sure that is not the problem.

Second, I would try moving the video card to one of the other PCIe slots on your motherboard.

Third, I would test your Power Supply. What wattage is it by the way?

If you are getting Video at post and just can't get into Windows then please correct me and I am sorry.

 

[1criticthatmatters]

Power connector is fine, video card is running. I'll try changing the video card to another PCI slot right now, btw it is a 500w EVGA. I am getting no video at any point.

 

[JimF_35]

It might be a dud Video card. I would take it back and see if they can test it in another computer to make sure or if you have a friend that will let you test it in their computer.

All video cards should at least post. If not then there is something wrong.

 

[1criticthatmatters]

No it works, I have used it for months in the home computer and it runs in the new one. Does a video card have to have a driver in order for it to work?

 

[JimF_35]

No it works, I have used it for months in the home computer and it runs in the new one. Does a video card have to have a driver in order for it to work?

Not to post. Maybe for windows but not on bootup. I Would look at your power supply.

 

[1criticthatmatters]

could I try installing the 7770 cd driver before I install Windows 7, or would that not work? I've heard that this will not work, that you need Windows 7 installed before you can install any sort of drivers.

 

[JimF_35]

could I try installing the 7770 cd driver before I install Windows 7, or would that not work? I've heard that this will not work, that you need Windows 7 installed before you can install any sort of drivers.

That is not the problem because you should be getting Video prior to Windows booting no drivers required. If you are not then you have a damaged graphics card or your PSU is having problems or your motherboard is having problems.

The only way to know for sure is to test your card in another system. If it works then start with the motherboard and by seeing if you can install a cheap graphics card that does not require PCIe power connectors. If you still can not POST then it looks like it might be in your motherboard. If you can POST then flash your BIOS on your motherboard and try your new card.

 

[1criticthatmatters]

Sorry for the late reply, very busy at harvest season. I found out that my motherboard is DOA, by the time I found out that is was DOA, it was to late to return it as DOA. Fortunately I can still replace it under the 3 year warranty. I'll update with a post when I get the new mobo, and tell you guys how it works. Thanks for all the help, thus far!

 

[1criticthatmatters]

WOW, I feel like an idiot. It turns out that the 4-pin, CPU power cable was not plugged in, so that's why it would not boot. I'm happy, but I feel stupid. Anyway, I got a Asus R9 280 3gb 384-bit and it plays battlefield like a champ. Thanks again! sorry about wasting your guys time.