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    (7970M) Black screen after Windows 7 logo startup/attempting to install drivers

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by kyp77, Dec 10, 2016.

  1. kyp77

    kyp77 Newbie

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    Hey guys, my Windows 7 won't boot up after the logo screen, it either freezes or just goes black.

    Here's the story:

    I have overclocked my 7970M from 850(Core) -> 900, 1200(Memory) -> 1300 and have had no issues with that for about 2 months. Recently, I have cleaned the black of my laptop by plugging every external USB device and AC adapter out, and spraying some air into the fans. Once finished, I ran a benchmark which was running fine for 5 minutes, then suddenly the screen goes grey and the laptop made beeping noises.I didn't drop or shake the laptop. I had to press down the power button to force it to turn off. After restarting, I couldn't load to windows because I kept getting this error (0xc00000f boot selection has failed....). There was no other way to access the computer (even through safe mode) so I reseated the HDD and made a clean install of windows 7(HDD wasn't even detected before reseating).

    Now, after updating the drivers to the latest (i think it was 16.11 or something) it seemed to have succeeded and I was able to play games normally again. However, after seeing there is a newer update (Crimson ReLive Edition 16.12.1), half way through the installation my screen either goes completely black, or black but with a blinking underscore on the top left screen. There seems to be no response during this period so all I am left is to force it off. After another restart, the system will go up to the windows splash screen but will just freeze or just go completely black. I can access the system with safe mode and disable the GPU, which then loads windows in normal mode. The Intel HD graphics 4000 seems to be working fine. both Radeon HD 7970M and Intel HD graphics are detected in safe mode. In normal boot, Intel is, but 7970M is detected as standard VGA. Also, in normal mode sometimes I noticed in device manager it displays "Couldn't start device error code 10".

    I have tried:

    1.Deleting/Reinstalling the GPU drivers(with DDU too)
    2.Scanning for viruses
    3.Checking for registry errors (Eusing registry cleaner)
    4.Resetting BIOS settings (it shows ATI GFX in discrete section)

    It seems to fail after or when installing drivers. I have also installed the drivers manually in safe mode, but the same black screen after restarting.
    After installing drivers, the only solution is to boot in safe mode and disable or delete the current drivers. Right now, I am using it with just the Intel graphics enabled.

    Could this mean my GPU has fried/ died? I have tried to reseat the GPU, but the screws are too tight(will reseating help anyway?).

    Any advice appreciated.

    PS. My M17x R4 is out of warranty.
     
    kyp77, Dec 10, 2016
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  2. TR2N

    TR2N Notebook Deity

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    I wouldn't say your GPU is fired more a windows software driver bug.

    Try installing older AMD video drivers and if you modified vbios revert to default vbios on your 7970m.
    See if you can see anything connecting a hdmi cable to your tv when you get black screen.

    Also, would be good to do some house cleaning so check for any radiators dust blockages and fans are all ok.

    Good luck.
     
    TR2N, Dec 10, 2016
    #2