Z96J ATI x1600 drivers problems, help please!

Ok, sorry if this is long. I am a newb to computers as well so sorry if this is an easy fix.

I started my computer the other day and the screen was going crazy. It was flickering and moving all around. It looked like scrambled cable on the tv.

My friend came over and said the ATI x1600 drivers were bad and I needed new ones. He downloaded several of them and they were doing the same thing. He finally downloaded a VGA controller driver and it works. Problem is the highest resolution I have now is 1400x1050. Also, when I start up any game it exits right out of it.

I believe this is because the computer thinks there is no graphics card installed. I might be wrong but can someone help me fix this problem. The computer is only 3 weeks old and I want to be able to use it like it should be used. Thanks

 

Generally when installing graphic driver you should uninstall the old/previous ones. However most of time installing over the other drivers works fine too.

I suggest remove the drivers for the X1600, and reinstall them.

If this does not work, take it back to your reseller and let them look at it, and they'll advise you from what they see.

 

A lot of people have been having problems with the Catalyst 6.9s on mobile X1600s. Stick to the 6.8s, plain ATI drivers, not any of the Omega stuff.

 

Go to Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs and select 'ATI Uninstaller' - This will remove all the ATI software on the system and should clear it up. Also, go to Device Manger and go to the ATI X1600 in the Display Device section and try uninstalling it there as well (after doing the ATI Uninstaller). If the Uninstaller works it will take a few minutes to get rid of everything. Reboot after uninstalling with that tool and from Device Manager. Now try installing the drivers that came with your Z96JS on the disc. Then you should be fine.

I take it these problems only happen after you load Windows right? Not in BIOS or loading screens? If that is the case you can try removing the battery and all power for awhile and pressing reset...but that's probably not necessary.

Cat

 

I second using Omega 6.8's rather than 6.9's.

A little searching on google can get you a download link for mobility catalyst 6.8's.

 

How do I know what version I have of the Catalyst? If I have the 6.9s is it easier to install the 6.8s?

 

OK I downloaded the original ATI drivers off the cd that came with the laptop. I tried downloading the 6.8 catalyst center from ATI's website but when installing it gives me an "INF error: no video drivers found" Then it tells me to install some VGA drivers or something like that.

My resolution is back to normal but I can still see a tiny amount of the "scrambling" on my screen like when I had the original problem... its not near as bad though. If I get the 6.8 driver will this fix this problem?

 

Ok, now my laptop has gone back to being completely scrambled after I installed the original ATI drivers. Does anyone know what I should do? I really dont want to have a laptop with a VGA driver and not be able to play any games. Thanks!

 

Well, there's always one safe bet: reformat your hard drive, reinstall Windows Xp, reinstall the original (stock) drivers. If it's software a software issue, this will fix it. Actually I'm pretty sure this will fix your problems, as your hardware seems to work just fine.