topic VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems in PCs & Accessories

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:02:05 GMT

Hi All,

First post on this board so am looking forward to some help!

I have a Sony VAIO VGN-FZ21M and have had no problems that I couldn't solve until now! I run Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 2.

I often use the HDMI out to connect to my Bravia TV but a couple of months ago when I plugged it in I got the BSOD (Blue screen of Death) and it referred to the nVidia graphics driver file.

I rebooted and got the same BSOD after a long booting time.

I then booted into safe mode and un-installed the driver and used the standard VGA driver which works fine but means I have lower res and no output functionality through the HDMI out.

I then tried, both in safe mode and not, installing the drivers again. I have tried the ones from my recovery discs, ones from nVidia and ones from the Sony website but all lead to the BSOD.

I am now at my wits end as it is not often I come up against a problem that I cannot fix (with PCs/Laptops) and need to ask for the wisdom and experience of one of you lovely people!

Thanks in advance, please please please help me!!!!

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:29:07 GMT

Forgot to mention, it's the NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT 256MB

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

CFC_CJS — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:12:24 GMT

Get rid of the SP2

sorry, my mistake... i thought you said that you installed the SP2 afterwards... forget what i said.

Message was edited by: CFC_CJS

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:11:48 GMT

Hi Jamie,

Assuming that there is no hardware problem then possibly the BSOD results from the original corrupt driver not being removed completely. Try a Google for ‘completely remove nVidia drivers’. I have no firsthand experience of this but I know that there is a utility out there called Driver Sweeper – at your own risk of course.

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:52:02 GMT

Hi,

You are correct, SP2 was installed ages before this problem occured.

Regarding other solutions, I have tried various methods over the last few hours and numerous reboots to assure the nVidia drivers are completely gone but no success, still BSOD.

Any more suggestions are welcomed!

Thanks,

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:10:30 GMT

Hi Jamie,

As you seem to have eliminated the nVidia driver as the problem have you tried to eliminate other drivers that may possibly be causing a conflict at startup?

With the nVidia driver installed boot into safe mode, type msconfig in the search field, select this and click on the Startup tab. Disable all but the nVidia display driver and reboot normally. If you then still get a BSOD then you will have eliminated other drivers as the cause.

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:35:19 GMT

Hi Rich,

I have tried your suggestion and the still problem still occurs so it would seem that it is not another driver causing the issue.

TIA

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:11:52 GMT

Hi Jamie,

Can you try uninstalling the graphics adaptor in Device Manager and re-boot in safe mode? Hopefully the device will reinstall. Shut down and try a normal boot.

If this fails to resolve the problem then I will escalate to Vaio Support in the hope that they may be able to help further. They may of course suggest a system restore to factory settings which would have been my next suggestion.

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:36:24 GMT

Hi,

I have tried your mentioned suggestion and still end up with the same result.

The later suggestion is something I want to try and avoid having to do.

Thanks,

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:39:57 GMT

Hi Jamie,

I have escalated this question but as we are now in the weekend I doubt that there will be any response until next week some time.

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:45:52 GMT

Thanks,

I look forward to your response.

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:41:55 GMT

Hi Jamie,

I will let you know if I receive any response from Support.

You may be interested in this similar thread.

https://www.sony-europe.com/discussions/message/687733#687733

Different model but same graphics chip.

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 09:02:19 GMT

Hi Jamie,

It has just struck me that the FZ21M is one of the Vaio models that Sony acknowledges may be affected by a faulty NVIDIA graphics chip.

http://genesis.sony-europe.com/instranet/ccil_sony/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=53420&l=en_GB&m=VGN-FZ21M

It may be worth contacting Support...

Rich

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

jamie2fingers — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:54:28 GMT

Hi,

Whats the best way to contact support that won't cost me a fortune in 0845 and 0870 calls?

Thanks,

Jamie

VAIO VGN-FZ21M Graphics Driver Problems

rich912 — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:10:12 GMT

Hi Jamie,

I have sent you a PM.

Rich