NVIDIA Graphics Driver

[codonnell100]

My NVIDIA GeForce 275.33 Graphics Driver has stopped responding. No screen visible so no laptop available (laptop is working fine otherwise). Can I reload the driver? Can I do anything? Is my laptop dead? Please help.

[Blencogo]

What model Vaio do you have?

Is it still within warranty?

Have you tried the following: -

1. Connecting an external monitor to see if the problem is your screen or your graphics adapter?

2. Shining a torch onto the screen when the Vaio is running to see if a faint image is present?  This would indicate a backlight problem.

3. Do you see the Vaio Logo when you first turn the Vaio on? If not it is unlikely to be the graphics driver.

[codonnell100]

Thank you Blencogo for replying. I haven't tried an external monitor yet, was out of warranty just before prob started in 2009 and has been intermittent since but now no good.

Model VGN-FZ18M (if that is it.), Can see the screen with a torch and have, at last, managed to find the cursor. Vaio logo does come up at start.

Sounds like I have a backlight problem but that means nothing to me. I'd love a bit more information. Thank you.

Christine. 

[Blencogo · Accepted solution]

Hi Christine,

The usual cause of a backlight failure is not the backlight itself, but the inverter which supplies high voltage power to the CCFL backlight lamp.

It could just be a loose wire but usually, the inverter will need replacing.  The part will be about £35 but there will be a labour cost.

Have a word with the Sony Service Partner nearest to where you live for an estimate.  There is a full list of UK Service Partners here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/contacts/asc.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-FZ18M

[codonnell100]

Thank you so much, I guess you are an expert. Christine.