Startup/display problem

[johnno7]

New member - so apologies if this is a pretty basic issue (but any help is very welcome!)

Spec; Dell Intel core 2 quad (2.66ghz)
1 tb hard drive / 4gb ram
Vista ultimate sp1 (32 bit)
Graphics card Nvidia 512mb geforce 8800GT

No issue prior to problem yesterday. Not a heavy gamer, but machine has alweays coped well with high-end games such as Crysis,Gears of War etc.

Instant problem after loading on 'Bioshock' last night. Installation completed, but game did not run. Left display corrupted and start up slow. Black screen at start up with white dots, followed by green stripes. system loads, but resolution low and faded green vertical stripes present on desktop.

Have uninstalled bioshock. Ran 2 system restores (first to previous day, second to 2 days earlier) no success. Downloaded latest nvidia drivers from their site, also no effect. Have just downloaded & run Uniblue registry booster - scan & fix did not clear problem.

The error message displayed when the problem occurred was; 'Windows host process Rundll32 has stopped working'

Any suggestions for recommended next step?

Thanks

Johnno

 

[richc46]

This thread from our affiliated Forum may help
Tips on Troubleshooting Game Issues - Windows 7 Forums

 

[Lottiemansion]

Spec; Dell Intel core 2 quad (2.66ghz)
1 tb hard drive / 4gb ram
Vista ultimate sp1 (32 bit)
Graphics card Nvidia 512mb geforce 8800GT

I think the answer could be in your own post: -

"Vista ultimate SP1"

I think you need to update to regain stability. Try it & see if that helps?

 

[Patonb]

You also have a propane tourch for a gpu. The 8'series cards ran notoiriously hot, and infact, could desolder the card fom the mobo.

Theres some tricks on youtube that might help you but the involve you puting it in the oven!

Fix Your Graphics Card By Baking In Oven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsMDnHIS8vg&p=DEB3F901F6139277&index=5&playnext=2

 

[Lorien]

I'm assuming your problem is in general and not just with this one game. You've already tried System Restore. Let's check some other options.

First, please do not ever again use that Registry Cleaner or any other. Most are of little if any value and many can cause a great deal of harm to the registry and the system. Vista does a fine job keeping the registry clean on its own.

Check your Theme and Display Settings and Color and Appearance settings in Control Panel / Personalization. Try different options to see if any resolve or improve the problem. If changes don't help, set it back the way it was and proceed.

If the System Restore doesn't work, do a Startup Repair by booting to the genuine Windows Vista Installation Disk (or one you
can borrow from ANYONE) or from a Recovery Disk with recovery options included on it. Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html. To boot to the CD you may need to change the BIOS to make the CD-drive first in the boot sequence. To do that, wait for the screen that tells you the F key to push to access the boot menu or boot setup. Push it quickly. Make the changes, save your work, and exit. Put the CD in the drive and reboot. When prompted, push any key to boot from the CD.

If you don't have either disk, you can make a bootable Recovery Disk using http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ along with burning software like: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html and, of course, a blank CD (perhaps made on a different computer or perhaps in safe mode with networking if that is working).

If that doesn't work, try to boot into safe mode (repeatedly click the F8 key while booting and go to safe mode with networking – or do so from the command prompt on the disk). Then let's check some of your system files:

Go to Start / All Programs / Accessories / Command prompt and right click on command prompt and click run as Administrator (you can skip this step if using the disk).

If using the disk, cd to C:\Windows\System32. Type sfc /scannow and enter and let it run. It will scan and try to fix some of your system files. Hopefully it will complete with no corruption it could not repair (if there is such corruption post back here or try to analyze it to find the problem file(s) using http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228. Try to attach the report (you may need to copy it to your desktop before it will permit you to attach it) here so we can see if they can be repaired with good copies from the installation disk (unless there are too many).

While in Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f /r and enter and let it run. It will want to schedule itself to run at the next restart. Answer yes and then reboot to run the program. It will scan and try to fix any corruption or bad sectors on your hard drive and mostly remove that as a potential cause.

If that doesn't work, then please post any error messages from the Event Viewer concerning startup (Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Event Viewer). Here's how to use Event Viewer: http://www.petri.co.il/vista-event-viewer.htm. Look in the System section.

You may be infected with malware. Try to run anti-malware programs (in safe mode with networking if necessary). To fix this problem (if it is a problem) download, install, and run the following two programs: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php and http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. You may also want to try the new, free Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-Download-131683.html (with the caveat that only ONE AV program can be installed and running on your system at any one time). Use removal tools when appropriate http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/05/05/comprehensive-list-of-uninstallers-or-removal-tools-for-antivirus-software/. You may also want to try the free Avira at: http://www.free-av.com/ and Avast at: http://www.avast.com/index. Reboot after completing all the scans. You may also want to try the free OneCare at http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm and let it run all the options (except the registry cleaner) because that’s good maintenance (it will take some time to complete but can be done in the background).

If that doesn't work, try a clean boot http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135. If the problem goes away then it's just a matter of tracking down the culprit causing the problem. Follow the procedures in the article. Once found, delete, remove, deactivate, or uninstall it. Once done be sure to reset Vista back to normal status as explained in the procedures. If the problem occurs in clean mode then just restore the system to normal status and reboot - this solution is not going to work.

Boot into Safe mode with networking and see if the problem occurs there. Either result helps us narrow down the search for the cause.

I hope this helps.

 

[johnno7]

Thanks - I appreciate all your posts - will work through the various tips\suggestions & try to resolve.

 

[johnno7]

Lorien,

Again, I appreciate the time you spent on yr post & I'm working through it.

1. Just to clarify; This is definitely an issue caused by the installation of this particular game 'Bioshock'. Display /boot speed problems occurred immediately after installation finished (although the game never actually opened). Prior to this instal, had no problems & other high-end, demanding games worked absolutely fine. Games forums indicate this Bioshock is prone to causing display/graphics problems.

2. After 'Rundll32' error message, there is a message saying 'a problem was encountered with Nvidia driver, windows checking for solutions'. Tried the solutions windows suggest, including downloading latest Nvidia driver, but no success.

3. 'Personalisation' options did improve resolution - but background green shading is still there as are the strange screens at boot stage, along with sluggishness with loading certain things. Have my original Vista os disk & ran 'Start up repair' from it several times, but no fix unfortunately.

4. I take note of yr points on registry cleaners - but 'Uniblue' was a 'recommended fix' I came across on Vista64.com itself (May even be showing on this page!) and I thought I saw a 'Windows Gold Partner' stamp proudly splashed over their ad! Still. there seem to be divided opinion on Reg. cleaners, so as you say, may be safer to rely on Vista.

5. If this is (as it appears) a problem caused by some game software, Is there a reason why System Restore would not allow me to revert the system to a safe point 24 hours prior to the instal?

 

[richc46]

Lorien is off line
Regarding registry cleaners, bottom line, dont use them. They cause problems and are not needed by Vista

If system restore does not work from a point prior to the assumed problem. Then the problem is not due to the OS. If you do not have a point, that is another matter.

 

[Lorien]

Hi johnno7,

Sorry for the delay - I had chores and other things to do (and we're in different time zones and so I was also sleeping).

I haven't the faintest clue why System Restore didn't return you to your normal status before installing the program. As Richard said, there is likely something else going on here besides just the OS (though to be honest, I don't at the moment have the faintest idea and hope going through the rest of the steps I outlined will reveal something that will help us - or perhaps even fix the problem). I find it hard to believe that a hardware problem occurred simultaneously with the installation of the program - but then again anything is possible. What is the manufacturer, make and precise model of your computer? What is the make and precise model of your NVidea card?

Although not generally used for this purpose, the following can provide us with a lot of information that may reveal something noteworthy or helpful. Go to http://www.vistax64.com/crashes-debugging/282419-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html and follow the instructions there. We'll review the information when you reply with it. This is in addition to what was already posted, not a replacement for that - both may help in different ways.

Just to make sure Bioshock uninstalled properly (even using System Restore), please download the free version of Revo Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems and use it in Advanced Mode to see if Bioshock appears as an option to uninstall - it probably won't (but if it works, be careful what you choose to remove as sometimes it presents options which should not be deleted - only delete if you're certain it relates to Bioshock and if in doubt leave it alone). If not, then skip this (but keep Revo as it may come in handy and is a good tool for the toolbox - I use it all the time).

That rundll error message frequently occurs with incompatible software (and for a host of other reasons). I'd need more details about it including which files were involved and the codes in the message - but I'm not sure we can get that after a System Retore (but perhaps the info you send us will still contain that information if we're lucky). Please do not re-install the software just to see the message - I'd rather not have it on your system again until we understand what has happened and if and why it is the cause. Do you have a website link for Bioshock that you can post in your next reply (and exactly which version and/or file you downloaded unless it was from a CD in a box)?

When you updated the NVidea drivers, did you go to the manufacturer's web site or try Windows Update? If not the manufacturer's web site, go there and get the latest (there may also be firmware and/or sofware as well so be sure you get everything associated) and update using those versions and see if that helps. Do so even if they are the same versions as you have installed now as those may have become corrupt in a way that doesn't reveal itself in Device Manager but enough to cause the problems. Perhaps some of the logs you send us will explain further.

For now, just proceed with what was previously suggested by me (both in this and the prior post) as well as the others who replied - whatever you haven't done yet in any event. I'm currently most interested in the BSOD files mentioned above in this post (as they may be the most useful and it will take time to analyze them as I'm not as experienced as others who do this frequently).

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[niemiro]

5. If this is (as it appears) a problem caused by some game software, Is there a reason why System Restore would not allow me to revert the system to a safe point 24 hours prior to the install?

Is this implying that you tried and failed to System Restore. Did you get a specific error message (don't worry if you cannot remember it but it would help) or just "was unable to restore".

Thanks!

 

[johnno7]

After adding Vista Service pack 2 then uninstalling Nvidia driver & installing latest driver directly from Nvidia site - it looked promising. For a few boots, early screen all looked normal, and no background 'stripes' on desktop, etc.
However, last few boots today have reverted back again.

Checked on 'performance info and tools' to see current windows experience index. (this normally shows 5.9 across the board). Windows prompted me to run updated check (first time that's occurred) and then downgraded as follows;
Processor 5.9
Mem(Ram)5.9
Graphics 1.0
Gaming graphics 1.0
Primary hard disk 5.9

Tried a test play of 'crysis' game, which is fairly demanding on graphics & had previously run perfectly, and message appeared; 'unsupported video card. Vendor=0x0000 device=0x0000'

So, looks like, as Patonb suggested, it's a graphics card issue. This latest game has caused it to implode somehow. Slightly annoying, as I hadn't gamed on this machine for a few months (it's normally used for home business stuff) and never got as far as actually playing this 'Bioshock'!
Patonb - any suggestions for a good (let's say mid-range) replacement card?

Thanks for all posts on this prob - have a feeling some of the tips may well come in useful at some point in the future on other issues.

 

[Lottiemansion]

Hi,

If all is true, then I'm sorry to say your G/card is fried. On saying that have you tried to "Tweak" or "over-clock" the card?

Otherwise I think an up-grade or service replacement is needed to sort out the issue.

 

[johnno7]

I think I'll play safe & just replace the card. Cost aside, I'll be relieved that it's a straightforward hardware issue.

 

[niemiro]

I think that the lowering of score and unsupported error message is caused by you uninstalling the driver, but that still does not get around the issue of needing a new card.

 

[johnno7]

Have to tap your knowledge again guys, if I may.

After biting the bullet and buying a new graphics card, have inserted the following replacement today;

Radeon HD5670 1GB

Fits in to the 16 lane graphics slot o.k & does not require seperate 6-pin pci express connector for power. Fan is running,so it appears powered.
Old nvidia drivers were already uninstalled.

However, system did not show the usual prompt 'new hardware detected' as expected.

Went ahead and Installed radeon drivers from disk provided, no errors flagged & instal of drivers completed.

Looking in device manager after this, no Radeon drivers showing.

Power supply on my p.c. is 350w. HD5670 system requirements says 400w or greater - but gamer forum posters comment that manufacturers routinely inflate this requirement and this card should run fine on a 350w system.
The previous card (Nvidia 8800 Gt was installed pre-delivery by Dell, and I think that technically required 400w - that ran fine for 2 years or more)

Is this non-detection of new hardware certain to be a power issue, or is there another possible reason?

Thanks.

 

[Patonb]

It should run on a 350, though the stock psu probably sucks, especially since it ran a 8800gt.

So now, you have the card in your computer, and you're obviously seeing the screen, correct?

And under display adapters, whats writen?

If you can boot it, it should be enough power to install the drivers.

 

[Lorien]

Are you in normal mode boot or are you in Safe Mode with Networking? I'm trying to see if perhaps you can see because the system is using a basic default graphics card and not really the new card.

Are you using the correct drivers AND software? What came with the device may not be the most current and getting updates from the AMD site should be done and use those instead. I also notice there is software as well - so maybe installing that as well will help. See the following: ATI Catalyst.

If you still can't see the new drivers after installing them normally (and the software), go to Contol Panel / Add New Hardware and start with automatically detect new devices. If it finds the card, follow the prompts and it should then be added along with the drivers. If it finds nothing, then select choose the device and follow the prompts again to install the graphics card and drivers (and software).

As you know, specifications do call for a 400W PS and even list recommended brands: ATI Radeon. I doubt this is why it isn't installing the drivers (that should happen regardless of the PS even if the card fails to work after they are installed because of the PS) - it's remotely possible, but highly unlikely. But the fact remains that unless you meet specs on the PS we won't know for positively certain if that is or is not the problem (even if we don't think that's the case).

I notice you're running only SP1 which means you not only haven't installed SP2 but you're also missing a whole lot of other Vista updates. These may be the reason you are having troubles. Please update Vista until it is fully up-to-date to remove this as a potential cause.

I hope one of the above recommendations or considerations helps to at least identify the problem and, better yet, resolve it. Please post back with detailed explanations of what you did, what happened, and where things stand if the problem persists.

Good luck!

 

[johnno7]

Patonb, Lorien, thanks for posts.

Patonb;

1) Yes screen is on and appearance good. the background green stripes, strange early boot-up screens have gone. Problem comes when, for example, I just try to open up, say, just a card game from accessories and the 'hardware accelleration disabled or your card does not support hardware acc..' appears.

2) In the personalise menu, H/E is set to enabled.
3) Under 'Display adaptors' it says 'Standard VGA Graphics Adaptor.

Have asked Dell tech guys a few questions - the only one answered so far was my request for a few cards that were definitely compatible with my machine, i.e the 350 power supply. the answer was; Nvdia 8600 GTS and 8300 GS and Radeon 2600 XT or 2400 pro.
Not stocked by my local pc store (naturally) but their guy 'you can do better than that, even on a 350 p/s. Try this HD5670.......

 

[johnno7]

Lorien,

1) Booting in normal mode. Screens all normal now, problems with green lines etc imentioned in original post now gone. Just the hardware accelleration prob now (it seems).
2) Have just downloaded AMD's vista 32 bit relevant catalyst software suite/drivers from their site. No iprovement so far.
3)No sign of amd/radeon drivers or card under either auto or manual select options of 'instal new hardware'
4) You're right, when I initially posted, still had only SP1 - but took advice from here and installed sp2 several days ago

My p.c. is not 'finding' the new card, presumably because it's a 'true' 400w requirement, and my 350w rig will simply not activate it sufficiently to load it. An exchange back at the store is looming!
.

 

[Patonb]

If it boots it means the psu is powerful enough, alot of folks are running less psu than spec'd.

How'd you remove the nvidia drivers?

Try using drive sweeper to remove all traces of the nvidia stuff.
Guru3D - Driver Sweeper