Blue error screen after boot up

[lindaroth1]

After I boot up, I usually get a blue screen that says driver is stuck in an infinate loop. Refers to file nv4_disp. Sometimes I can boot up, go on IE and shortly after, it freezes and I have to restart. Just put a new Video card in. e-geforce 2 mx 400 Don't have a clue as to what to do.

[TechZ]

WElcome to the forums lindaroth1
Are you using Win XP? Have you installed teh drivers that came with the new VGA card? Also try using the new Nvidia drivers

http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_66.93
or follow these steps
http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

[confus-ed]

The technical term for these 'blue screens' is in 'nerd' a BSOD (blue screen of death - translating to 'shagged' :D) - this'll have more detail on it than "nvd_disp" - if Techz's suggestions for new drivers aren't helping, try us with the full BSOD message & any other info you can think of & we'll see if we can help .. (so motherboard info or make & model of pc, & which windows version please at least)

[lindaroth1]

After I boot up, I usually get a blue screen that says driver is stuck in an infinate loop. Refers to file nv4_disp. Sometimes I can boot up, go on IE and shortly after, it freezes and I have to restart. Just put a new Video card in. e-geforce 2 mx 400 Don't have a clue as to what to do.

Someone else put the card in. I did not see him read instructions. I am totally clueless about computers, just learn a little as I go. Now I am reading insturctions and I see it requires a APG driver before you install card. Do not know if this thing has APG driver, anyway I can check before I move on? By the way, I have XP Home

[TechZ]

Use the CD that came with the card, its called a Driver CD, and just follow the instructions that came with it and let us know how it works. Else use this link and install the file http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_66.93

[lindaroth1]

After putting CD in I get a message that say the driver I am trying to install is older that the one currently on my computer. Now what?

[TechZ]

That means you already have the newer drivers installed, try using the link I gave earlier and install those drivers.

[TechZ]

A google click and wow, lots of issues with this
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-menuext&ie=UTF-8&q=nv4%5Fdisp

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=325730
This details it more properly.

[TechZ]

To remove the old drivers use this app:
http://www.drivercleaner.net/download/DC3Setup_33.zip

Instructions at: http://www.drivercleaner.net/

Then Finally install the new drivers from here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_66.93

Keep us posted

[lindaroth1]

Ok, it's done. I will try getting on and off a few times and let you know. It already seems to be running faster. It has been really slow for awhile. I'll let you know later. Just noticed - was I supposed to remove old driver first? I just went to that link you mentioned. Hope I did not mess up.

[lindaroth1]

Ok, it's done. I will try getting on and off a few times and let you know. It already seems to be running faster. It has been really slow for awhile. I'll let you know later. Just noticed - was I supposed to remove old driver first? I just went to that link you mentioned. Hope I did not mess up.

I'm back and it's still doing the same thing. What do you suggest?

HELP - I don't know what I've done but I'm sure I did not do the right things. I deleted MCAfee virus scanner, did not know how to disable it. I really screwed up I'm sure.

[TechZ]

OK, if you havent installed teh new drivers yet,do that, if the problem persists, well were gonna need someone to help us out ;)

[lindaroth1]

I'm not getting the blue screen anymore but it still freezes up after I go online. Will check out teh driver.....

[TechZ]

Only freezes when u go online, or when u start the pc for some time, could be overheating.

Leave the PC on w/out doing anything and see if it freezes.

[lindaroth1]

Actually, I was wrong, I got the blue screen again tonight. I turned on the computer and it went thru it's thing and then went to the blue screen without me even being in the room, meaning I touched nothing. Here is the message on the screen:
"The problem seems to be caused by the following file: nv4_disp
If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:
The device driver got stuck in an infinite loop. This usually indicates problem with the device itself or with device driver programming the hardware incorrectly
Please check with your hardware device vendor for any driver updates.
Technical Information:
***STOP: 0x000000EA (0x8178E4F0, 0x819C53E0 (don't know if it's O or 0) 0xF9E5CCB4, 0x00000001)
nv4_disp" So, there you go. This thing is jacked up. I have no idea what any of that means.

[confus-ed]

Try starting xp up in 'vga mode' he says belat-ed-ly to prove its a video driver issue first .. ( :rolleyes: at myself for not saying straight off ! - this is a special mode in windows that uses a default video driver with limited features - you get to it by pressing 'f8' repeatedly & fast just after post {when it goes beep} & you'll get a screen a bit like so
http://www.tufts.edu/tccs/tol/tutorials/startup_options.jpg

While we are in vgamode we also want to look in device manager for any duplicate entries for video controllers just in case, as there seems confusion about uninstalling ..

... I have no idea what any of that means.

It means either this "Stop 0x000000EA" Error Message When You Run Video-Intensive Programs (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314215) or this Error message: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3BEN-US%3Bq293078) apparently & they both come down to 'bad driver' .. but there's a couple of bios settings maybe affecting things too, now I know what this means ..

I'd open bios & look & see if you have any any 'fast write' or 'fast read' values lurking as on & turn them off (to open bios its probably one of del/esc/f1, press 'muchly' as you turn on) .. looking for a screen like this probably ..
http://www.gb.tomshardware.com/howto/01q3/010728/images/pci_7.gif

This 'fast write/read' stuff is a way of accelerating video card performance but it won't work with lots of stuff despite their being bios options for it, for how much performance it may add (say 5%) I'd leave it off ..

[peterpam]

That can only mean one thing: corrupted registry, bad drivers or hardware broken.

If i were you, I would:
1º - uninstall nvidia drivers

2º - Deleate all temp files (C:\Documents and Settings\you\local settings\temp - all to rubish)

3º - Open computer case and remove video card, to put it on again (could bee some dust on the way)

4º - start windows in safe mode (just press F8 after the bios screen on startup)

5º - Run any nvidia utility to clean any rubish left by the old drivers

6º - restart

7º - Look for the latest drivers for your motherboard (because they include AGP driver) and install them (if you have a VIA chipset, go to viaarena.com, otherwise go to the site of the motherboard manufactor)

8º - Make shure you have the latest DirectX version (now its 9.0c). If not, install it going to windows update site

9º - Instal the latest drivers from www.nvidia.com

Hope that helped

Greetings from the country of Sun

[LaSERCHiPs]

That can only mean one thing: corrupted registry, bad drivers or hardware broken.


This is three things, don't confuse the user

* * *

You probably require the latest chiset drivers to match the AGP driver

Find out the manufacture of the mobo and post it...and we'll tell where to find the correct chipset driver (my guess is a VIA chipset [www.viaarena.com] but we'll wait until your post.

My advice use the video card driver that came with the CD..don't use the latest from NViDiA

[peterpam]

This is three things, don't confuse the user

* * *

You probably require the latest chiset drivers to match the AGP driver

Find out the manufacture of the mobo and post it...and we'll tell where to find the correct chipset driver (my guess is a VIA chipset [www.viaarena.com] but we'll wait until your post.

My advice use the video card driver that came with the CD..don't use the latest from NViDiA


I see.... You just like to talk no? Get messenger then, do not fill this tecnical thread with rubish.

Cause you haven't said anything new (all you wrote its already in this discussion) and you may confuse the user: with directX 9c installed, usually old drivers start to give problems... so i would't advise anyone to install the CD drivers if all the rest (AGP chipset driver, directX, VM, etc) is being updated.

No Greetings for you from the country of Sun

[LaSERCHiPs]

I see.... You just like to talk no? Get messenger then, do not fill this tecnical thread with rubish.


Got it thanks... :thumbs:


Cause you haven't said anything new (all you wrote its already in this discussion) and you may confuse the user: with directX 9c installed, usually old drivers start to give problems... so i would't advise anyone to install the CD drivers if all the rest (AGP chipset driver, directX, VM, etc) is being updated.

No Greetings for you from the country of Sun

Blah Blah Blah! :bor:

When I read "This could only be one thing"...then three completely different things are listed, I automatically know you have NO clue & I will not waste me time reading your long, winded thread. Perhaps you should proof read what you type and see if it makes sense before posting. :thumbs:

Anywaze...we are talking about an older video card [e-geforce 2 mx 400] . I would try to get in running with the software it came with before trying anything new. Your just gonna make a mess with different file versions.

[lindaroth1]

Had to take a day off. Too much talk that I do not understand. I get frustrated. I am trying to find out who makes the mother board in this thing. Let me ask this. Would this problem I have affect the working of email and other things besides me getting the blue screen and/or freezing up and I always have to boot up twice. I am so lost.

[LaSERCHiPs]

If all of these problems started after the new video card was installed...Take it back to who ever installed it and tell them situation...Let them deal with it...or pay your local computer store to solve the problem...Don't waste your time if you don't know what your doing...You shouldn't get frustrated.

You know this problem could have been solve a long time ago it you paid a professional to do the install.

I give you lots of credit for attempting to solve this on your own.

now for your question

Yes any invalid driver can cause troubles with your PC eg. freezing, BSOD's, you name it.

[lindaroth1]

#1- This problem started before new card was installed. Since the disp was part of the error code, it was assumed that the problem was with the monitor card. Not my call, but someone who fiddles with computers slightly.
#2- I did not install the card.
#3- Someone who supposedly knows something about this stuff checked it out and worked on it. Apparently he does not know as much as he thinks he does. How would I know how much he knows until he works on this? Now I know.
#4- Since you are so adament about me paying a professional, would you please send me the money to do so. I can barely meet my monthly bills and I work hard for that. I just thought I could get some insight on solving this problem but apparently I'm in over my head. I will do some homework and with what has already been suggested to me, I will eventually figure this out. You see, I have a good brain and when push comes to shove, I can usually resolve problems. Thanks for all your help

[confus-ed]

Err umm .. I hate to disturb a good bit of bickering especially when its getting us soooo far ! :eek2: ;) - but what actually happens when you start it in 'vga mode' error or not ?

[Shalafi]

Linda,

Please ignore the non-help you get here. *Most* of the people here are actually very helpful, and dont have the inflated egos that so often accompanies someone with a modicum of technical talent.

Anywho...

It sounds like you might simply have (as was somewhat suggested earlier) a hardware problem. As TechZ said, it could very well be a thermal issue where the video card or PC (some component of it) is overheating.

It sounds like this may be an older PC (2-5 yrs), and if this is the case, you may have a situation where you would benefit from removing the CPU (processor) cooling fan, then cleaning the 'stuff' from the bottom of the fan/heatsink and the top of the CPU.

Any good bench-tech, and certainly any major PC manufacturer, will use some kind of thermal transfer compound to help conduct heat away from your processor and into your heatsink/fan assembly. Depending on the compound used, over time it can dry out and cause the type of problem you are seeing. In these cases, if you clean the old compound away and replace it with new 'goo' (often a thick white thermal compound is used), then this will fix the thermal issue on your processor. If it is thermal, other things can cause this as well, like a poorly installed heatsink/fan, a faulty fan on the heatsink assembley (very common), or even a processor that has seen better days.

One thing you can do to help determine if it is thermal is to turn the PC off for at least 30-60 minutes to let all of the parts completely cool. Then turn the power on and time how long it runs without freezing up or erroring out. Once it does, do a reset, or cycle the power off/on, and again time how long it will run before having another problem. Dont use the PC at all, just let it freeze up (or whatever) on its own. You may need to do this a couple times to get a few data points to compare. If the time to error from a 'cold-boot' is consistently longer than from a 'warm-boot', then odds are high you have a thermal issue.

If I were you, I would try this before pursuing anything else. If your hardware is faulty, and it sounds like it may be, then you may be barking up the wrong tree trying to fix driver revisions.

Im not saying anyone else here is incorrect, but thats how I would begin troubleshooting this from what Ive read.

I would like to add that depending on the processor in your system, removing the heatsink and fan can be a VERY tricky proposition. If you have whats called a 'Flip-Chip' type processor, you run the risk of destroying the CPU if great care isnt taken when doing this. Above all, be very careful, make sure youre grounded/earthed (depending where youre from) and try not to let it frustrate you. Charged emotions when inside a PC can only lead to the dark side... I mean, disaster...

HTH
Shal

[cyberhh]

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display.
2. On the Settings tab, click Advanced, and then click the Troubleshoot tab.
3. Move the Hardware Acceleration slider to None, and then clear the Enable Write Combining check box.
4. Click OK, and then click OK.

Taken from: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q293078

[lindaroth1]

Thank you, I will have it checked out by someone different that I believe has some skills. I will tell you this, when I do a cold boot, it does take a bit to come up. It more times than not, will end up with the blue screen. I usually turn it on and then come back later and the blue screen is on. I restart it, it comes up a bit quicker and then I never have had a problem on the restart. I can go until I want to stop. Does this sound like the thermal problem you mentioned?

[Shalafi]

Thank you, I will have it checked out by someone different that I believe has some skills. I will tell you this, when I do a cold boot, it does take a bit to come up. It more times than not, will end up with the blue screen. I usually turn it on and then come back later and the blue screen is on. I restart it, it comes up a bit quicker and then I never have had a problem on the restart. I can go until I want to stop. Does this sound like the thermal problem you mentioned?

No, if it will run as long as you like after its warm, then its doubtful. Issues like this can certainly be tough to pinpoint without some tools and spare parts to swap to rule things out.

Sorry none of this has worked for you, hopefully you at least feel good about learning a bit about your PC in the meantime, though thats little consolation when it still isnt working as desired.. :)

Take care,
Shal

[lindaroth1]

Thanks for everyone's help so far. I have not given up, just been extremely busy in other areas of my life. I am going to get to the bottom of this eventually. I'll try the things mentioned and report back.

[VladX]

Im getting almost the same problem as lindaroth. Heres what happened.

My old monitor got broke so I ordered a new digimate 17" TFT
When set it up and ran my computer it ran for about 5mins. I installed the plug and play monitor when suddenly I got a BSOD. It says nv4_disp most likely caused an infinite loop error. Basically the exact same message lindaroth got. Now when i boot into normal mode the monitor comes up "no input" on the screen, turns off breifly and i get the samd BSOD right when the login sceen is about to appear. I CAN run in safe mode and for the time being i have uninstalled all Nvidia drivers which means i can run in normal windows mode. It is NOT old drivers, I installed the latest divers in safe mode and i still get the error, even tried some 7.14 beta Forceware but didnt work. My setup is

Pentium4 3.0 GHZ
A12 Dell BIOS
Nvidia MSI ti4200 with 8x AGP
Digimate TFT monitor<<(Only difference i made to system since its stopped working)
512mb RAM
20Gb HDD

Plz if anyone has had this problem AND HAS FIXXED IT help

[VladX]

Now windows wont boot up like, at all. It goes to the windows loading screen and dies in a blank screen. Oh lord in mercy help

[peterpam]

Now windows wont boot up like, at all. It goes to the windows loading screen and dies in a blank screen. Oh lord in mercy help

Why dont you try to remove all traces of Nvidia drivers before installing any more versions?

About one or two years ago i found a forum that helped me, showing me the way to this free nvidia removal tool, Nasty-File-Remover, but i dont know if it is still good or outdated:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Video-Tweak/Nasty-File-Remover.shtml

Problem with driver is what u have
Nvidia uninstaller .... better to make no coments!
clean all that nvxxxx.xxx stuff out of your computer man!

Greetings from the country of Sun

[Compu_Techie]

In all my years of installing drivers on systems with nvidia video cards i've never seen the kind of annoyances that this driver version causes.

On some systems the driver seems to work ok for a couple of days uptime and then the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) occurs but on others there are constant loop cycles of reboots.

This problem only seems to occur with Windows NT based operating systems i.e 2000, XP & 2003 server, i've not seen it happen on 98 or ME yet.

Upgrade to the latest driver release from www.nvidia.co.uk, also get direct X 9.0c from www.microsoft.com/directx to use with the new driver as it does seem to get rid of some gaming issues.

As a last resort, boot into safe mode, uninstall the nvidia driver software through control panel & add and remove programs before attempting to install the new drivers.

Please note that updated chipset drivers for mainboards and turning off fast writes for the video card in the bios doesn't make any difference, if anything it will just put off the BSOD or reboot for a little bit longer.

I have had this problem with at least 60 PC's that i have been out on-call to in the last few weeks.

All the best !