Acer Aspire 3830TG: NVIDIA Graphics is missing

Hello,

I have a strange problem with my NVIDIA graphics:

Since short time my NVIDIA graphics adapter is missing (even in the device manager; there is no any entry anymore). Of course, the setting in the BIOS is set to 'switchable', so everything should be fine.

I have had the same problem also some time ago. But I could solve my problem with a BIOS update. Version 1.03 contains an update for the NVIDIA graphics and made my graphics running again.

But this time it didn't help. I tried every version of the BIOS (from 1.02 to 1.08), but nothing changed

And I also noticed something: In the BIOS there is for both adapters (VGA and VGA PEG) the Intel graphics shown. Normally, the PEG entry should show the NVIDIA graphics.

So I think that something has overwritten the correct mapping for the NVIDIA graphics in the BIOS.

Has somebody had the same problem like me?

Is there a way to force a complete flash of the BIOS (means including the NVIDIA vbios)?

Thanks for your help.

 

Try restarting in safe mode, uninstall nvidia driver, and reinstall.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I have tried it, but unfortunatelly I didn't help. Now the NVIDIA drivers are uninstalled and I can't install them again.

It seems like the NVIDIA graphics is really disappeared. Normally, if there is a driver problem, the device manager still shows an entry. But in my case, there is nothing

I think, the problem is deep inside the system, means the BIOS or VBIOS.

Does anybody have any idea what should I do? I'm really desperated

EDIT:
Also Linux can't find my NVIDIA graphics, so it's not a problem of Windows.

 

Have you considered the possibility that the GPU has simply failed?

 

Yup, happened to me. That's exactly what it was like before I decided to switch to fixed dedicated mode in the bios. That's what killed the laptop ultimately =P

 

I also thought about that. But I have had the same problem before and I could fix it by flashing the bios. So I still hope that I can bring my NVIDIA graphics back into my system.

Is there a way to force a flash of the VBIOS?

 

My bet is still that your GPU has given up the ghost. But to flash the bios, you will need the Nvidia flash tool and a VBios image as well as a bootable USB.

NVFlash Flash Tool + VBios + Bootable USB = flash Vbios.

nvFlash v5.xx Commands...
nvflash -b backup.rom (Backup Original BIOS)
nvflash -5 -6 newbios.rom (Normal BIOS Flashing)
nvflash -4 -5 -6 newbios.rom (Forced BIOS Flashing)

I don't know if nvflash is still the NVIDIA standard. I have no idea where you're going to find the Acer GT540M VBios. I guess an overclocker's forum.

BTW, if you are still under warranty (I'm assuming your not) this will void it.

 

Thanks for your help, that sounds really useful.

I still have warrenty, but currently I am on vacation for long time, so I hope to fix the problem by myself (as well as I did before).

 

I would send it back ... but good luch anyway.