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    Windows 7 graphics problem on Inspiron 1720

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by m4stermel, Jan 22, 2009.

  1. m4stermel

    m4stermel Newbie

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    Hey all, I'm new to the forums here but I was hoping I could get some help on working out a problem with Windows 7 (W7) Aero and the GeForce 8400M in my Dell Inspiron 1720.

    From the get-go W7 doesn't use Aero, it's stuck with the basic display. It also won't allow the color depth to be set to anything other than 16-bit. When running the troubleshooting wizard for Aero and transparency effects I get the following problems that it wasn't able to fix:
    • Desktop Window Manager is disabled
    • Color depth is set too low

    I've also attempted the "hack" here, but it didn't make a difference.

    I've installed both W7x64 and W7x86, testing both the latest Vista drivers from Nvidia for the 8400M as well as the beta drivers available from Windows Update. Neither seems to make a difference.

    It seems that this is just a problem with the GeForce 8400M since I've noticed other 1720 users fortunate enough to have the 8600M experience Aero in W7 just fine.

    I would greatly appreciate any advise or ideas on this one. Maybe there's just something I don't know about drivers for the 8400M and/or Windows 7.

    Thanks.
     
    m4stermel, Jan 22, 2009
    #1