Member Avatar for fozzbot

I was trying to install a new video card and the manual said to remove any previously installed drivers. I did so but I think it removed the onboard video driver as well. Now when I start my PC one monitor stays in sleep mode and another monitor says there is no connection, then goes into sleep mode. I can't install the new video card now since I can't access a single thing on my PC. I can't even restore the onboard video card. Is there anything I can do to fix it? Can I maybe restore my PC to factory settings without being able to use my video cards, and would that even work if I could?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by mjdodd

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Short, focused troubleshooting summary and next steps based on the thread (refs: , ). One system did recover its display, but the second PC (no onboard GPU, Nvidia GeForce 6600 SE) shows power and fans but no video or POST beeps. With no visible POST, treat this as a hardware-isolation problem rather than a driver issue.

Prioritized, non-redundant checks (do these before buying parts):

  • Fit a case/system speaker to the motherboard header and watch/listen for POST beeps. Lack of a speaker can hide useful POST codes.
  • Test the GeForce 6600 SE in a known-good machine and, conversely, test a known-good PCI‑E card in the suspect board. This cleanly isolates card vs. motherboard.
  • Verify the PSU rails under load (use a dedicated PSU tester or multimeter if experienced). A failing +12V rail often lets fans spin but prevents GPU/PCI‑E initialization. Safety note: if unsure, have a shop do this.
  • Bench-boot the board with minimum parts: CPU, one RAM stick (try each slot), GPU, PSU. Remove drives, optical, add-in cards and front-panel USB hubs that can short. Listen/watch for any change in POST behavior.
  • Inspect the CPU socket area and GPU slot for bent pins, broken retention clips, or leaking/bulging capacitors. Small mechanical issues are easy to miss.

If the above are inconclusive:

  • Use a POST/diagnostic card to read motherboard POST codes (use the manual to interpret).
  • Consider GPU VBIOS corruption only after confirming the board and PSU are good — flashing VBIOS is advanced and risky without the right tools/donor card.
  • Replace the PSU or try a confirmed-good GPU first; if a tested-good GPU still yields no POST, the motherboard (or CPU) is the likely fault.

These steps prioritize safe, low-cost isolation so the faulty component can be identified without repeating earlier driver-focused attempts.

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Member Avatar for mjdodd

When you restart the computer does it beep (I think three times) if so then this indicates that the start up tests cannot find a video card / driver and cant show anything. However if you add a PCI type video card it should automatically insstall the driver and be usable to find any other faults.
M

Member Avatar for fozzbot

I think my PC reinstalled the on board video card because it started working again, but I have another PC with what seems to be the same problem. It has no on board video card, just an Nvidia GeForce 6600 SE (PCI-E). I get no video out of it and it was given to me so I'm not sure what caused it. I have tried resetting the CMOS and i can't locate a dipswitch inside. I read about resetting by holding the power button while unplugged, did nothing. I have made sure everything was securely connected and tried multiple monitors. I have an old ATI 9250 PCI card and tried plugging it up but to no avail. I looked over the motherboard but there was no discernable damage anywhere. It's super clean and all the connections are clear and appear to be working. When i turn on the CPU all fans work and the lights come on. There is no beeping at all. I am beginning to run out of ideas as to what might fix it. Thanks for the reply.

Member Avatar for mjdodd

In circumstances like this one has to make assumptions like you have tried safe mode etc.
I would like to suggest trying to boot the machine from a CD and not from the hard disk. using a linux or similiar will allow the machine to use the driver from the CD and that will prove if it is a driver problem. If it cant make a picture on screen from a boot cd then it is definately an electrical fault. (either MOBO or card
M

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