GeForce 7350 LE

[cgreenleaf]

I have an HP Pavilion Media Center TV m8120n Desktop PC (stock) running Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit. 

I have been working with the nVidia support team to find a driver for the GeForce 7350 LE that will correct a freezing problem that occurs when the mouse is either moved on the screen, scrolls or clicks.  We have been dedicated to finding a solution.

I went to http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/ask and asked the following question:

I restored the system using the HP Recovery Partition. I then used Windows Update until no more updates were available, HP Update completed as well.

Using the HP Hardware Diagnostic Tools program (that came on the computer) I then tested all the hardware everything passed except the video card tests - they locked up the computer forcing me to hard boot the system. This happened with the original driver (v 7.15.10.9816), the updated driver from HP (v 7.15.11.6230) and the newest driver from the nVidia website (v 285.62).
The lock ups also occur when you try to move the mouse while on the desktop.

Do I need to change the settings?
Is there a different driver I should be using?
Do you need additional information to help me?

After a lot of troubleshooting this seems to be the solution:

Step 1 -- Delete the 'Nvidia' folder from your C: drive

Step 2 -- Use the custom installation and check the option "Perform clean installation" for driver 285.79

This cleared up the freezing problem I was having but the nVidia Control Panel still crashes so I have to use Windows Display Settings to change the display size.  No biggie.  BTW the HP Hardware Diagnostic Tool still crashes on the video card tests.

From reading the posts in this forum as well as other cries for help around the net,  this seems to be a problem for many other owners of the HP m8120n as well so I thought I would post this information here hoping it would help someone else or at least steer them in the right direction.

If there is a better solution that HP Support can provide please let us know.  I'm hoping that HP Expert Day can finally provide us with an answer.

The other question that a lot of us have is:   Please provide us with a list of alternative/replacement video cards that will work with the m8120n and its 300w power supply under Vista / Windows 7 that are currently available for purchase.

Thank you,

Cheryl Greenleaf

[Big_Dave]

Hi Cheryl,

Are you running VISTA service pack 2?

Check the NVIDIA web site for an updated driver.  Version 296.10 is the latest version posted.

The below video cards will work with a 300 watt power supply.  Pick one that meets your video port requirements.

$50--->NVIDIA GT 430 9.6 GB/s --single slot width

$65--->NVIDIA GT 520 8 GB/s -- single slot width

$70---> NVIDIA GT 430 22.4 GB/s – single slot width

$80--->NVIDIA GT 440 25.6 GB/s -- single slot width

$110-->NVIDIA GT 240 1GB DDR5. 54.4 GB/s  single slot width This card doesn't support DirectX 11 which is optionally used in some of the newer PC games but it is an excellent performer.

[cgreenleaf]

Big_Dave, yes I was running with Vista 32bit SP2.  But then...

As soon as I was able to get the system working (no freezes) in Vista, I upgraded to Windows 7 (using the Custom Install method) and now have the graphics problem all over again. <heavy sigh>

Once again I contacted Nvidia, this was their reply:

Response Kishen via Email 05/17/2012 05:10 PM

Hello Cheryl,

Thank you for the response.

I am sorry for the inconvenience caused, however I request you to please try reseating the graphic card that is plugging the card out and plugging it again and then try to install the drivers and check if that can solve the issue.

Also if this does not work then I request you to please try contacting the motherboard manufacturer and get the BIOS updated for the motherboard as even that can solve the issue.

Please let us know if the above steps have helped us to fix the issue

Warm Regards,
Kishen,
NVIDIA Customer Care

My question: Is there an update available for the BIOS on the m8120n?

According to Belarc these are the current specs:

Board: ASUSTek Computer INC. Basswood3G 1.05

BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 5.07 05/24/2007

Big_Dave ~~ FYI, I have already sent a personal message to sumsolstice.

Big_Dave ~~ No reply from sumsolstice. Can you help? 

Thank you,

Cheryl  Greenleaf