Updated NVidia Driver--Now problems!

[stevehookem]

I updated my GTX 280 video driver to the latest from NVidia (185.85) and I've gotten all kinds of error messages about missing files.

I rebooted into safe mode again and ran Driver Sweeper (the way I did originally as well), rebooted, installed 185.85 again, rebooted, waited several minutes and rebooted again.

It seems to be fine, no more error messages. However, I no longer have NVidia Control panel when I right click the desktop. When I open it inside the control panel, it's not the same. I used to have 3D objects and the ability to see multiple monitors etc. That's all gone. It's now just system performance and tools, etc.

Also, I thought NHancer would need to be set again. However, it still has my Nick settings as far as I can tell. Is there another driver recommended other than 185.85? How do I get my control panel back?

[stevehookem]

Update: I used Driver Cleaner Pro and when I reinstalled 185.85 my control panel came back. However, I couldn't get NHancer to load again at all. I looked like it did but there was nothing in the tray anymore.

So, uninstalled NHancer and reinstalled. It's all back now.

Now I'm up to the desktop. Before even launching FSX, I have noticed that on some boots, the icons look very pixelated and hard to read. Other boots, they look fine. Right now, they look good but I am noticing bright, "sparkles" or flashes happening every few seconds. I am using a projector--and this may have been happening before and I just didn't notice. I see it now though.

[packercolinl]

Updating drivers can sometimes not be the best idea regardless of what you run.

Perhaps your should look to a System Restore at this stage especially if you may have lost some Nick settings. If you are still having problems now it may be your best option.

Col.

[stevehookem]

Per Nick, I don't use the resource hogging System Restore. It seems to be working OK now. I don't know if I am getting any benefit from 185.85 vs the 182 driver I was using though.

[NickN]

heres another one.. per Nick



When you find a driver that runs smooth and clean, dont mess with it

You have better odds of getting a Windows Update patch that will deliver better perf than a Nv video driver upgrade

and thats not saying much for Nv

169, 174.74, 180.48, 182.50 have been the drivers of choice. and to be quite frank I was amazed to see any change from 180.48 to 182.50 and I suspect lightning wont strike again for some time to come

[stevehookem]

yes, you are right. I should have left well enough alone. I thought that you posted to go to 185.85. I may roll back to 182.50.

I just feel like I'm not tuned exactly right and can't figure out where the problem is. You can see my system. I was getting 5-8 FPS the other night! I was at the mega airport CDG in a PMDG 747. I know both together are a killer. However, this was unflyable and it usually gets me around 15-20 FPS--that's not good but at least I can get off the ground! This time it would not just "microstutter" but come to a complete halt--then start again. I finally just shut down.

I'm still trying to chase down what could change to make this perform so badly all of the sudden.

Another question: if you have scenery in the scenery library that is unchecked and never selected, does it have any effect on FSX? Should I remove it?