“Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error.

Anonymous
2009-10-13T16:38:34+00:00
  • Running Windows 7, 32-bi,t on a Lenovo W500. Display Driver: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650.
  • The error message (“display driver stopped responding & has recovered”) follows a system freeze, a short blackout. Then everything works fine.
  • Downloaded the most current driver from the company's Web site.
  • Seeemd to work for a day, but now I'm getting the same behavior.

Crabby Office Lady

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2012-01-27T00:10:30+00:00

Hello Crabby Office Lady,

This error can happen because of an outdated video driver, to many programs running at one time or even high CPU activity. There is a link to a KB article on the following post that gives more info on the issue and helps to fix it, see:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/error-display-driver-stopped-responding-and-has/1b6c2b8b-b0a7-49d9-bc3b-e9cc98d51004

L.D.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-19T00:23:30+00:00

    I got a Nvidia video card and have not had the problem SINCE.  You may want to try also.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-07-30T14:31:47+00:00

    Eventually I did get a solution - replaced the graphics card.

    It seems that this error report is generated as a result of a hardware failure.

    I only wish that I had not wasted all those hours attempting useless software fixes

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-07-30T09:32:24+00:00

    An old post at 2009 but as it was sent in a link from MS Support I thought I might comment to prevent you all wasting your time.

    As well as the error which occurs within seconds of booting up and sitting idle, the graphics claims to have recovered (not fully in the browsers/games) but I lose all sound from that point on until a restart.

    Here's the spec for those who wish to know; although it actually makes no difference as so many people suffer the same problem with different systems/components:

    • GeForce GTX 470 (standard and not overclocked)
    • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 950@3.07GHz
    • 12GB RAM
    • 1920 x 1200 59Hz Resolution
    • MS Win 7 Home Premium
    1. Article 2665946: Adjusted Timeout Detection and Recovery registry value.
    2. Article 2665946: Graphics managed by NVIDIA Experience; so always latest driver installed.
    3. Article 2665946: Changed Visual Effects setting to "Adjust for best performance".
    4. Disabled graphics card; CCleaner run to clear out rubbish left behind; reboot and reinstall of driver.
    5. Removed graphics card and reseated.
    6. Disabled all other sound devices/jacks and left only NVDIA High Definition Audio to remove potential conflicts and ensured latest driver.
    7. Changed visual and sounds setting to Windows Classic
    8. Checked the nvlddmkm.sys file was correctly loaded into System32/Drivers folder.
    9. Case and component temperatures totally normal and not hot.
    10. No problems with router or unstable connectivity.

    Some of the above may seem irrelevant, but nevertheless in my desperation I've searched, read and tried - NON have worked.

    Contacted MS Online Support - offered to charge me $99 for an advanced fix. Does this mean there is one and it's just not given freely to those with licenced Windows? Or does this mean I'd just be wasting my money on a 'possible' solution?

    Anyway; declined as I can buy a new graphics card for that price. But.... oh which one? Should I now compile a list of all the graphics cards that suffer this MS defect? Any stable graphic hardware suggestions welcome (if the above specs are enough to go on).

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