NVIDIA GeForce GT 420M on Dell XPS L501X

[Frick]

I am working on a Dell XPS L501X laptop that I can not get the NVIDIA display adapter to work correctly. Device manager shows an issue with it listing the device status as "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)"

I have stepped through every method and fix I know of and wanted to check here to see if anyone had any ideas. I am leaning towards a solder problem between the chip and the motherboard...

Here is some info on the laptop:
It has an i5 processor and uses the integrated Intel HD Graphics for the default display adapter.

The secondary display adapter is the NVIDIA GeForce GT 420M. This secondary adapter utilizes NVIDA Optimus technology when configured for specific programs and applications to prolong battery life ( NVIDIA info video describing optimus )

Both display adapters were working fine until the owner purchased a new hard drive, installed it, and reinstalled Windows 7 x64 using his Dell restore disk. He was unable to get the NVIDIA adapter to work and brought the laptop to me.

Initially I thought it probably just a driver version/release issue, but that has not been the case. The drivers install fine for the adapter, but the adapter never works after the required restart. I have tried numerous drivers, the Dell recommended, the latest WHQL NVIDIA and even Beta version.

There are no options in the bios to enable/disable or tweak the display adapters, and since the Intel adapter is used by default that is what is installed when troubleshooting in linux.

I have found a couple similar issues references on Google, but they ended up only being installation issues concerning the adapter version and the install packages needing an inf edit. That does not apply in this case.

My next step will be to test a new windows install on a different hard drive. If that does not fix the issue then I would think it is the motherboard. I can get a new motherboard for a good price, so that is a viable option if it comes down to it.

 

[NYJimbo]

Did you completely uninstall the Nvidia software (with delete) before installing the new one, if not then do that. I am kinda doubting its a hardware failure if it worked flawlessly up until the drive change, but it would be good to know why he did the drive change.

 

[Frick]

I have fully removed the previous drivers before installing new ones - files, registry, etc.

I agree that initially a hardware failure seems unlikely due to a hard drive installation but I didn't do that work. Also, in order to install the drive on this model XPS you have to get to the system board. It is possible he might have damaged something.

 

[NYJimbo]

Also, in order to install the drive on this model XPS you have to get to the system board. It is possible he might have damaged something.

Yeah, I just did another HD replacement on Tuesday for a Dell M5010, same nonsense, tear half the machine apart to get to the HD.

These are new machines, it's supposed to get easier, not harder. I dont know what is going on but I think that the laptop makers realized that if you put hard drives, fans, cmos batteries and the like in easy access areas the laptop might actually live for a few years and that doesn't help them sell more machines.

I remember when gateway and Dell were putting the fans, cmos, etc. all on the bottom, a couple of screws and you were in. The Dell 14xx and 15xx series were really great, now its all going back to hiding it inside. F-CK YOU CONSUMER !. I guess they are taking cues from Apple.

 

[KompuKare]

F-CK YOU CONSUMER !. I guess they are taking cues from Apple.

Indeed Fort Knox computers. And yes, that first bit is Apple's new slogan!