M6600 - no video output after nVidia Optimus enabled

Hi all,

My Precision M6600 just had the motherboard replaced under warranty and was running well...until I enabled nVidia Optimus. Here's a recap of the drama:

1. Due to having a new motherboard, I needed to configure some BIOS options.

2. I shut down Windows and rebooted rebooted into the BIOS.

3. I changed the hard drive boot order, enabled nVidia Optimus, and clicked apply then exit.

4. Upon rebooting, I have no video output whatsoever on the laptop display.

5. I tried plugging the laptop into an external monitor using my Dell dock, an HDMI cable, and finally a DisplayPort cable to no avail.


The machine powers on and the keyboard lights up though. I can also hold the 'D' key and power the machine on to see RGB color flashes, but cannot see the self test on screen.

 

restore the bios setting to the original one. Then do a CLEAN INSTALL (driver sweeper) to reinstall intel HD graphics drivers and nvidia drivers. Then enable optimus through bios and see if that helps.

I am assuming that your laptop does post right? post is when dell logo appears as soon as you power on.

 

I don't think he gets ANY video. I had this same problem with an ATI card but the laptop was replaced as a whole. This may sound odd, but let it warm up by leaving it on for 5-10 min, then power it off/on. That worked for me but of course it could be a completely different cause.

 

I have the same problem but when Optimus is disabled. I have to power it on and off till I get a video output on my laptop screen. Going to call Dell tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As dvanburen noted, I cannot enter the BIOS setup due to having NO video output whatsoever. I tried powering the machine on/off several times snd using battery/no battery.

Finally, I did a support chat with Dell and it looks like they're going to replace the motherboard and the graphics card under warranty. The support rep was very knowledgeable.

Hopefully this will be the last repair.