Fixing Graphics Driver Problems in Windows 7

Graphics Driver Problems

Some of the most typical driver problems occur using the computer's graphics drivers. The graphics card driver is different from other Windows drivers since it is the first driver to load when Windows starts. Here are some common problems brought on by graphics drivers.

Windows loads but doesn't have picture.
Windows shows nowhere Screen of Death (BSOD) while loading.
Your screen resolution is stuck at its lowest settings.
Windows 7 crashes while loading games.
You can't make use of the Aero Glass interface in Windows 7.

If you encounter one of the problems I've described, it is best to start your PC in Safe Mode. You need to do this by pressing F8 when Windows starts but before the Starting Windows screen appears. If you check this out screen, you've gone too much and need to restart your PC again.

Pressing the F8 key raises the Advanced Boot Options screen. Choose Safe Mode, and press Enter. This can be a reduced functionality mode where Windows loads the minimum drivers and software.

Device Manager

Device Manager is how you can see and control all of the drivers for that hardware placed on your PC. You access Device Manager through User interface. Click Hardware and Sound\Device Manager. Alternatively, you can type device manager in the Start menu search box.

The hardware is organized into categories, many of which are self-explanatory: disk drives, display adapters, DVD/CD-ROM drives, keyboards, network adapters, and so forth. Some categories need more explanation.

Human Interface Devices is how drivers for hardware for example USB input products are located.

Sound, video and game controllers includes from your PC's sound card and gaming joystick to TV tuner cards and webcams.

A white arrow precedes each category. Clicking it expands the course to show all of the hardware there. Here you can use whatever drivers that might not be working (they'll be highlighted having a yellow warning triangle or perhaps a red cross) or decide if they're even listed.

A yellow warning triangle alongside a tool means that the motive force either isn't installed or isn't in working order. If any devices have warning triangles, such groups will expand automatically when Device Manager starts.

If your hardware isn't listed, on the Action menu, select Scan For Hardware Changes. Following the scan, your hardware should appear in the list, and Windows 7 might automatically install the right driver for that hardware. Windows will state you whether a suitable driver has been discovered and installed or whether no driver might be found.

If your hardware still is unseen up, on the View menu, select Show Hidden Devices. The hidden products are usually hardware drivers for Windows components, however they may also include your PC's hardware.

In the recent example I pointed out in which a network device driver was causing my computer to crash, the motive force, which in fact had been digitally tested and distributed through Windows Update, didn't appear in Device Manager until I clicked Show Hidden Devices.

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