M14x doesn't recognize Nvidia GPU; Can't install any drivers (Stock included)

Hello, I recently decided to update my video drivers from 285.62 to 296.10. The Nvidia installer recognized my hardware, asked which type of install I wanted, and began installing the drivers. The installation proceeded to fail after trying to install the graphics drivers.
After which, windows stopped recognizing my card altogether in the device manager. I proceeded to use ccleaner and driver sweeper to delete all nividia drivers and attempt a reinstall. When I tried reinstalling, it again recognized that I did have compatible hardware, but failed during the install.
After the second failed attempt, I went to Dell.com and downloaded the stock 267.xx drivers for the m14x. I again used ccleaner and driver sweeper, and launched the installer. Again, it failed trying to install the drivers. It never gets passed "installing graphics drivers."
Any help on the matter would be much appreciated! ^_^

EDIT: Windows recognizes that there is a device that is unidentified.

 

I have experienced the same problem twice before. Once was when I was updating BIOS, and the other was with your example. I was able to fix it by simply going back to the driver version I had been updating. (In your case this would be 285.62)

I know it does not help update it successfully, however it should get your GPU up and running again. You can simply try updating it again and see if it works. Hope this helps.

 

Unfortunately, your solution did not work for me. However, it's funny that you say that your issues came after a BIOS update, as mine did as well. I am currently on the A05 bios, while I was on A01 back when I installed the 285.xx drivers.
In any case, what would your next step be? I am thinking formatting and reinstalling windows altogether; however, I would rather that be a last resort.

 

Hmm. Have you contacted any support? Dell can be a hassle but they might be able to tell you what's wrong.

EDIT: And you say that you couldn't install drivers after a BIOS update? I am currently on A07 and installed the later drivers just fine.

 

No, I haven't. In my experience, the forums tend to give better advice most of time. If I can't get this card up and running after what I've heard from you guys on this forum, then I'll cave and call Dell support. :-/

 

Sorry, did you get my edit?

 

Yeah, sorry, I Just did. I'll try updating my BIOS now. Thanks for the clue! I'll reply as soon as I have the bios updated with an update

 

Well, I updated the bios to A07, and at first, it recognized that I had a gt555m gpu in the device manager. However, when I tried to install nvidia drivers, the issue occured again, and It's back to not recognizing it. XD

 

Have you tried installing the 285.62 again? Now I'm kind of starting to enter trial and error here =/.

 

I am currently running 295.73 if that helps. You could try it out.

 

Yeah, I've pretty much tried every driver available. I don't think this is an issue of which drivers to choose from; rather, a problem installing nvidia drivers in general. Now, when I flashed bios, my card was recognized until I tried installing drivers for it. I'm going to try updating the bios to the latest possible one and see if that solves anything.

 

Yeah. Just to let you know, I am not that experienced with technology, so I would remain being open to other people and any other advice, although you were probably doing that already :3

 

Yeah, I appreciate your help anyway. I updated the bios to A08, which is supposed to update the vbios for ppl having the issue that I am, but I'm still having the issue XD. I can't win. In any case, does anybody else have any feedback?

 

Have you tried to place a .inf file into the NVIDIA Setup folder? Read this thread there's a link for the .inf file with driver: M14x - nVIDIA 296.10 WHQL drivers released!

 

^ Yes sir. I tried it to no avail. Would you suggest formatting and reinstalling windows?

 

I had a very similar problem. Initially the 296 drivers installed, then a few days later they stopped working, and none of the Nvidia or Dell drivers would install. Also, the GT555 card wasnt showing in device manager.

I fixed it by taking the RAM modules out and reseating them - no idea if that was the fix or just the act of taking the back off and looking for loose connections - but may be worth a try.

 

I just tried to do what you did, but to no avail. Took the ram out, reseated them, and made sure that the visible connections were connected properly. Nothing changed.

EDIT: Just another bite of information: windows installs standard vga drivers in place of the nvidia drivers. Should I uninstall these before installing the nvidia drivers?

 

Try these verde drivers

Graphics Driver - Verde 285.62 Driver - GeForce

worked for me when I had problems with stock ones.

 

Again, I'm having an issue installing any sort of nvidia driver that goes with my gpu. I've attempted to install the 285.62 drivers about 4 times throughout this whole endeavor.

 

Sorry, I thought you were having issues with the drivers not working properly. Not that they would not install at all.
How new is your laptop? Has the GPU ever worked at all?

Just asking because a system restore is possible.

 

I ordered it on April 19th (the day it came out) and have owned it ever since. I've successfully used the GPU (gaming) throughout 3 driver updates. first was dell stock, then I updated to beta 275, and then to 285.62. the only difference between then and now was a bios update post-285.62 driver installation. After this issue started occurring, I updated the bios to A08, which updates the vbios, but I was still having problems. I think that I'm going to go ahead and do a system restore and chime in once I can give you guys the results of that experiment.

EDIT: I should mention that the 285.62 drivers that I was using post-bios update worked fine. It was when I attempted to update them to 296.10 that my drivers were erased and I could no longer install drivers.

 

System restore is your BEST bet ATM I think. DO IT.

And as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I don't know if System restore affects BIOS but its still worth a try.

I used Bios A03 till January 2012. Then went to A05. Worked solidly

 

Yeah, it seems as if a system restore/reformatting windows is the only solution so far =/.

 

Well guys, I did a full system restore and it worked! I'm on the default stock driver that came on the resource dvd, but the important thing is that it was able to install without fail!
I'd like to thank all of you for your help and I shall be adding rep to all of you.

 

Awesome! I'm glad you could get it to work. By the way, what's your Steam name? I have practically no friends

 

Cool, glad that it work for you, I'll be bookmark this for future reference, and thanks for the rep.

 

My steam name is thatkidstevo. ^_^

 

Yeah it would be awesome for some rep, seeing as my restore suggestion worked.

 

I can only hand out a set amount of rep points per day. I did not get to you before that amount was reached. I gave you the rep for helping me.