Trying to install and run a NVIDIA(PNY) 9400 gt..Please Help

Okie here is the issue and some problems I have run into.. I have been trying to "upgrade" my graphics card... It is technically a "new" install because I have tried everything including a "factory reinstall" of my POS hp OEM bloatware-loaded pc. When factory came it had a 9500GS, but the fan failed and HP hates me ! :-)

** THE issues and trouble shooting I went through will be at the end of the system specs! *******

Anyways here is some of my system specs :


Machine name: *********
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.lh_sp2rtm.090410-1830)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: KQ497AA-ABA m9340f
BIOS: BIOS Date: 03/28/08 16:53:51 Ver: 5.22
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6700 @ 2.66GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 6134MB RAM
Page File: 1733MB used, 10646MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 64bit Unicode

Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29C2&SUBSYS_2A6F103C&REV_02
Display Memory: 286 MB
Dedicated Memory: 0 MB
Shared Memory: 286 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (70Hz)
Monitor: Generic Non-PnP Monitor
Driver Name: igdumd64.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.1666 (English)
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/26/2009 19:46:40, 5541888 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes


PROBLEMS & PROCEDURES as FOLLOWEs :

** I am going to pull my hair out !!!! ** PLEAS HELP !

I uninstall anything with the name ATI or NVIDIA - Turned off my computer, restarted disabled intergrated in Bios then let the computer boot up, then turned off computer again.. Installed the card, then booted up.. Vista 64bit, installed the generic VGA driver and all was fine other then it was running with a generic adapter.. So I went and installed the most recent forceware/drivers I could find.. I tried this many times with different drivers .. *Rinse & repeat* I even used driver sweeper in safe mode to remove drivers & such...

The problem :

When I reboot after the install of the recent drivers, I get the black screen (no video) but windows does boot just fine?!?!? I do not understand what is the problem? Can anyone help?

* my biggest issue is how come the card would work until I updated the graphics driver fromt he generic VGA adapter to the 9400gt driver? When the drivers were installed the device manager even stated the correct 94oo gt nvidia name..? So why would it not work after the reboot? Should I go with an older driver? Should I go with the one WIndows is suggesting/ from windows updatE? I think I tried that also but perhaps I will try to monkey around with this until I get it or until someone that is amazing can give me an answer!?!? This is rediculous...
I also could not install a ATI 4350 on here either I returned that for the 9400gt.. Thinking that because my computer came with an NVIDIA that it would work..

A couple questions...
Should I disable the intel in the device manager before disabling it in bios, or after? or not at all? (The rep from PNY said I did not have to)?
Should I try to update my bios ?

I am really upset as we can see above my comp is capable running with intel on-board graphics fine but,, I just bought the sims 3 and want to use the "nicer" graphics that I can get with this card.. I know it isnt the best card but come on , installing a GPU should not be this difficult...

IN ADVANCE THANK YOU !!!


* I have included the complete DxDIAG.text file for anyones help for helping me **


*~* MEl*~*

Hi Mel, i've had a quick look at your post, and on first inspection, i must ask you a few questions, first of all, when you installed the graphics driver, was it from the disc or did you download them (I must point you to this driver >>>here<<< for your Graphics card). secondly, the DirectX diagnostic info you posted is not very useful because it doesnt show your GPU info for your new card, of which will not install.

If you can, don't disable the onboard graphics card when you install the drivers for the new card, just leave it enabled. My main speculation on why it has went wrong could be a number of reasons, if you installed the GPU off the disc, then the driver maybe the 32bit version, where you need the 64bit version for it to operate.

Hello,
Yes thank you for your response , I figured out (so far) that it did install. it was a pny nvidia 9400gt , the problem was and is when I update the drivers to the new card that the screen goes blank. What if found out was that the resolution was too big or something like that when rebooting. So what I did to solve the problem was install the drivers for 64bit from disk.. then do the safe mode F8 trick and use low resolution booting, then changing the resolution to native then rebooting once again. Now, I am still having problems with the newest driver.. I am going to try this again to see if it works I will keep people posted because it seems some are having the same problem. The answer was located on a vista forum & the PNY site.

Thanks again,
Mel

Okie I have gotten everything up and running but... I am still having problems..
I cannot upgrade to the most current NVIDIA drivers because:
Every time I do the screen is still blank when I start up even with "safemodes'" "enable low resolution" fix.. This does not work for the most current drivers.. Every time I try to update it I end up having to restore my computer to earlier date..?

Would anyone know why this keeps happening? I have tried some things such as using my dvi/hdmi connector instead after reboot but I am not sure if it will work I have not tried it yet after the update.... I am currently running a driver from march I am not sure what version ... There is a newest one from June as you suggested.. Please help.. If you need anymore information please let me know I want my drivers updated (because I currently can't run any of the control panels/ such as the graphic interfaces (performance, or monitoring software like I used to have for my 9500gs)

Thanks again in advance..
Mel

(**p.s.*** Vista should have made things easier for installing a video card :D ? ) You would think it would be plug and play ? Maybe it is because I have a 32" LCD tv? Could that be causing the problems? My current resolution is 1024x768 , Perhaps that is the problem? Thanks !

well, if your connecting an LCD TV, if its high definition, then your resolution should be set at 1280x720, this is the standard resolution for a 32" HD ready TV. however, if you can connect to a standard monitor, then your resolution can be set to anything as long as its not above the default resolution.