Hey guys, I have been searching through the net for solutions but I can't find any!

I think this problem is related to a problem several months ago during my finals which lead to my computer to hang, or BSOD before log in, PLAY games or stream things full screen. Some people suggested I test my RAM which I did and it worked. The other suggestion was that I use a selective startup. This solved the problem and allowed me to individually check which programs may have caused the problems. Unfortunately, my flat mate decided to reinstall my OS as a solution than for me to fix it.

Recently a similar problem has returned. However selective startup had until recently prevented the hanging or BSOD before log in, or during using the computer. I tested the RAM again and it was fine, and it is only likely the BSOD will appear (8/10) if I DO NOT disable my GPU on device manager. The drivers are up to date, and prior to disabling the driver, the PC diagnosis indicated the hardware was ok.

However this is my most recent problem report:

Description
A problem with your VIDEO hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name:   LiveKernelEvent
OS Version:   6.0.6000.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID:   2057

Files that help describe the problem
WD-20100816-2358.dmp
sysdata.xml
Version.txt

View a temporary copy of these files
Warning: If a virus or other security threat caused the problem, opening a copy of the files could harm your computer.

Extra information about the problem
BCCode:   117
BCP1:   861E6868
BCP2:   8B860326
BCP3:   00000000
BCP4:   00000000
OS Version:   6_0_6000
Service Pack:   0_0
Product:   768_1

Any suggestions on what I can do would be appreciated!

PS

my specs are:

OS: Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Manufacturer: Compaq (HP)
Model: SR5139UK
Base processor: Core 2 Duo E6550 (C) DC 2.33 GHz
Motherboard: IPIBL-LA
Video Graphics: GeForce 8400GS
- 256 MB DDR memory
- I/O Ports: HDMI, dual-link DVI , S-video1) Define "reinstall the OS" - does that mean you did a format and new install?

2) If the display driver is the latest release, try rolling  back to the previous version. If it's not the latest release, try downloading and installing that.Hi

1) I just returned the computer to the factory settings, and had all my personal files deleted.

2) the display driver cannot be rolled back. I just recently tried the NEWEST driver from the manufacturer. I can generally log in if there are NO graphics artifacts appear on startup, or the log in screen. It's currently about 50/50

Sometimes I end up on the Windows Startup recovery, it says it can't repair it but after I restart I can log in. So I'm not sure if it is hardware of software based problem.How exactly did you return this machine to "factory default settings " ? ?If you are seeing artifacts and/or other distortions then it is generally a hardware fault, especially if your are getting them during POST and/or in the BIOS. As far as I'm aware GeForce 8400GS is quite a stable GPU, so a hardware fault would seems to be the culprit. Unless there is some sort of power or data connection fault with the motherboard or power supply.

Best test would be to try the offending GPU in another machine and to borrow a different GPU to test your motherboard.

Saying all that, I've miss read 'of' as 'or' ("So I'm not sure if it is hardware of software based problem."). So have you tried the latest or newer drivers?cheers for the reply, my display "died" - dark, volume was still there, then crashed - during a movie I was watching a movie. I tried taking out the GPU and getting rid an dust from the fan.

I put it back in and now the start up is purple and other graphics artifacts. Do you think it's worth while putting it in my old dell 8300? to try?

What replacement can I get to replace the unit?What PC do you have (or specifications if home built)?

All you have to loose by testing the card in another machine is time (or maybe your temper) , so go for it.OS: Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Manufacturer: Compaq (HP)
Model: SR5139UK
Base processor: Core 2 Duo E6550 (C) DC 2.33 GHz
Motherboard: IPIBL-LA
Video Graphics: GeForce 8400GS
- 256 MB DDR memory
- I/O Ports: HDMI, dual-link DVI , S-video

bought it a few years ago.

the one I will have to try it with is a dell that runs on a 3Ghz P4 HT with 512MB of RAM will that work to be compatible?
What are the guidelines to BUYING a GPUs? I'm a bit new with hardware stuff.According to the motherboard and OS you listed any modern graphics card will be compatible. However, watch out for cards that need a 75W 6-pin and/or a 150W 8-pin PCI Express power connector (usually only present on high end GPU's). You will have to check your power supply for the cables. Cheers MAN, I'll look at what the GPU I have now connects to and try and get an idea (I'm sure it has a power cable). I have a 230V power supply, which I guess may limit what I can get.

Voltage is irrelevant. It's the wattage you want to look for (should be printed on your current PSU).

-If you run on a 230V system and had a PSU of 500W you would draw ~2.2 Amps
-If you run on a 110V system and had a 500W PSU then you would draw ~4.5 Amps
[Provided both PSU's are run at full capacity]

Most PSU's will use both 110V & 230V (modern ones switch automatically) DO NOT SWITCH A PSU TO 110v ON A 230V SUPPLY!

Basically what this means is that both electrical systems would run the same amount of components on the same PSU.



P = Power (measured in Watts)       V = Voltage (measured in Volts)      I = Current (measured in Amps)

*PSU = Power Supply Unitlol I may have forgotten all my technological studies from school it seems , cheers I'll have a look at my options thanks