How to sweep your drivers.

[WaterSnake]

The most common error with graphics cards is usually with the drivers. A common cause of driver errors is not having them properly 'sweeped' after installing new ones. Here's a simple guide on how to sweep them.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: 30 minutes max


This is for Nvidia Cards ONLY. If you have ATI try at your own risk...


Download Driver Sweeper

Installer
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=1655

Here's a no install version that's probably your best bet. You run it right from the zip file.
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=1672


(Note: The following guide was written for windows Vista, but I have done it with XP and it worked great, so no worries there.)
-----------------------

1. Right click on Computer -> Properties

2. Click on Device Manager

3. Expand Display Adapters

4. Right Mouse Button over the Video card Name

5. Select Uninstall, Click Delete the driver software for this Device

6. Do NOT reboot

7. Now That Window I told you to leave open with the NVIDIA directory now Delete your Driver Version Folder (Example 162.22) then empty the recycle bin.

8. Reboot

9. Restart in Safe mode (Hit the F8 key while the BIOS screen is displayed)

10. Now run Driver Sweeper

11. Make sure you tell it to Remove your NVIDIA Display Drivers, once it is finished, reboot. Once Vista reboots it will just reinstall a generic VGA adapter dont worry, at least its not the nvidia one.

12. Now Install the latest Video Drivers for your card.

13. Once it is finished installing, reboot your computer.

-----------------------

I would like to thank Donta1979 for writing this guide on the eVGA forums, found here: http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=175074

I simply reposted it to fix some spelling errors and re word some phrases better. But he's the real hero here.


Also just a reminder to blow out your card from time to time with some compressed air, and replace the thermal compound.

 

[Hav0k]

Or if you are using windows vista...

you can uninstall the device in device manager and it usually asks you if you also want to remove the drivers that were installed with it

 

[Episoco]

Or if you are using windows vista...

you can uninstall the device in device manager and it usually asks you if you also want to remove the drivers that were installed with it

but this will apply to the XP users or lower, which is quite useful if you are one.

 

[GBear]

I just sweeped my drivers because I think I've been having problems with them. Sometimes randomly, my entire screen goes jagged and everything turns greenish. After I sweeped them, I haven't had that problem yet...wish me luck.

 

[WaterSnake]

I just sweeped my drivers because I think I've been having problems with them. Sometimes randomly, my entire screen goes jagged and everything turns greenish. After I sweeped them, I haven't had that problem yet...wish me luck.

I have the same problem, and we have the Exact Same Card. I've already tried sweeping, that doesn't work. Sorry to burst your bubble. I contacted Customer Support, it turns out it's a voltage problem, or it's just a bad card. Try something with power.

 

[Meowcenaries]

I sweeped them an it works fine.