dv9500t Graphics Problem (Nvidia Geforce 8600mGS)

Dv9500t Graphics Problem (8600mGS 256MB dedicated +768MB shared)

Recently, while running Stardock Deskscapes, my computer screen began flickering, and after about 2 minutes, the computer just shutdown. So, I let the computer sit there and cool off, and I took out the battery and cleared the RAM. After about 30 mins, the notebook was completely cooled off, and I turned it back on again. The problem went away and all I got was a message from windows that my graphics driver had stopped responding, so I updated to the latest drivers from HP. Then I found out that whenever I ran dreamscene, the problem occurred, and the computer would shutdown.

So, I reinstalled windows, but to my surprise, during the windows (vista) install, I would get rows of dots across the screen (very hard to photograph). The vista install would still complete though, and when I would turn the computer on after vista setup, I would still get the dots all over the screen. Once I installed the nVidia drivers, the dots went away but sometimes they stayed. When I would try to run WEI to get aero back, the computer would freeze up, the screen would flicker and I would get these weird flashy patterns on the screen (see vid below). The same thing would happen when I tried to watch a video in Windows Media Player.

I also sometimes got a nvlddmkm error.

I have tried many reinstalls – a clean install x32, a clean install x64, and an HP recovery disc install (x32)

Oddly enough, the HP recovery install worked, but I think that was just lucky.

Also, I don’t think it’s a problem with drivers (or with vista) because I’ve been using my laptop for fine for 9 months.

I also got one x32 install to work, but again, that was just lucky (when I tried to reinstall after that, I got the artifacts again).

I also tried using a vista retail disc with the drivers from the original HP recovery disc, but that didn’t help.

Also, I don’t think it is due to overheating; the problem still occurs even if the computer has been cooling for 12 hours.

Is my graphics card a goner? I’m still under warranty, so I can get it replaced if that’s what needs to be done.

I’ve run the following ‘tests’ with the following results (as a recap)

• WEI > Crashes during Aero Assessment, produces weird screen distortion (see vid below)
• Watching a Movie in WMP > Crashes when I click play on the movie file, produces same weird screen distortion
• Installing Windows > Shows dots all over screen
• Memory diagnostics test (RAM, not VRAM) 100% fine (just to make sure because the gfx card shares from RAM)

Click here to View My Video that shows the screen flicker and patterns

Does anybody know what’s wrong? I’ve done hours of google searching to no avail.
Thanks for your help
-v3loc1ty2.0

 

all i can say to that video is LOL, sorry i dont have a clue what ur problem is but i found the video really funny :S

 

Has the notebook been dropped or been in constant vibration lately?

It looks like a goner to me..

the only thing you can do is reseat the gpu heatsink

 

seems like someone spilled something on it or it was dropped

 

nothing was spilled (i'm a neat freak when it comes to my laptop)
and i cant think of anytime when it was severely shaken (it pretty much sits on my desk the whole time)

 

If it is beyond repair, what is the best way to handle this with HP?

 

I have the same model you have. 2 months ago I had the same problem. Try this...connect a another monitor to your laptop. If that works works & you can run everything..then it's the inverter on the lcd panel. Is that's the case do a reach here for a HP website where the list recalls for this problem...it includes many older models with the same symptoms. HP will fix it free because it's a recall..even if your notebook is out of warranty.

 

nope, i still get the flashy patterns on the external monitor

 

i did another reinstall with the HP recovery discs and i still have the problem

 

I've also got the same problem.
And i also have never spilt or dropped my precious baby.
My brother who know a bit about computers said it might be the graphics card or something.

 

You said you tried updating Drivers via HP. Have you tried LaptopVideo2Go.com?

I really doubt it's just a Driver problem as tons of people use HP drivers, but it's worth a shot.

 

yep, ive tried laptopvideo2go drivers too

 

so should i just call HP and tell them that my graphics card is dead and i need warranty repair?

 

So sorry to hear that v3loc1ty...
I don't have a lot of experience with laptops, but I had a similar problem with a desktop once, and it was definitely a hardware issue. I think you should contact HP

 

Alright i guess ill call HP tomorrow

 

ok, i called HP and they're sending the box so i can send it in for warranty repair
the box will come in 1 to 2 days

any tips regarding what to do to make warranty service better?

 

anybody???
please???

 

nothing really.. once its in their hands, theres nothing much you can do except wait and hope they dont screw it up

you might wanna include a note clearly stating what the problems are..

 

ok thanks

is there anything i should do before i send it in? (they still havent even shipped the box)

 

1) Be very patient. Take up yoga classes lol

2) Make sure all the standard parts are installed.

Have you asked if you can keep your HD? Multibooting again can be a b****

 

I have the same problem as you describe. I have Pavilion dv2500t. I installed new drivers and flashed BIOS but that didn't help. I talked to HP technicians and they are going to send me the BOX so I can mail the laptop. The problem for me, though, is that I am moving to Europe (the Czech Rep.) this Sunday and I would not get the laptop back on time. I have it just a couple of months and it cost me 1500$. I am really helpless. The laptop is still under a warranty but I won't be in the US. Do you have any suggestions how you would deal with my situations? Thanks!

 

finally, i got my box today
i'm gonna ship it to HP tomorrow

@splitman
why don't you tell a friend to pick it up and ship it to you in europe
or you can call HP, tell them about your situation, and see what they say

 

yeah they're letting me keep my second HDD (which has XP, Ubuntu, and M** OS*)
i'm leaving my 1st HDD in there since ive got no important info, and its on a clean factory install anyway

 

Did they say that you have to send your primary hard drive when sending it in for repair? I think I'm going to be sending mine in for the same problem but I would rather not go through imaging and formatting my hard drive if possible.

 

no actually, im not sending in either HDD (i changed my mind)
Just ask them and they will let you keep both HDDs if they diagnose that the problem is not related to the HDD (on the phone)

 

ok i recieved my notebook back
they replaced mainboard+gfx
everything works fine now

Thanks for all of your help

 

I just sent my laptop in recently, but I was extremely disturbed by these images from the HP Service Center:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=198900


Was your notebook treated well? And was it sent to the service center in Texas? Any physical damage?

HP is going to have to replace the motherboard and gpu on my laptop, and I hope they really don't mess up.

 

Thats good to hear.. how long did it take for them to fix it? any crowbar damages from the service center?

 

I have the same problem!!
Please help.

 

Video card is definitely fried. You'll need to have it replaced.

 

Wow, I've never seen a computer just melt down like that. That just sucks man. Obviously, if it's under warranty you should send it to HP and get it fixed, or better yet a replacement.