Learn How to Fix Video Problems with Updated Drivers

Graphics cards (or video cards, as they are commonly known) utilize a series of drivers to render video. These drivers are actually packets of software that serve as a “bridge” between the processor, the OS, and the video card.

Here’s a partial list of the major graphics cards manufacturers:

• NVIDIA (including GeForce), ATI/AMD (including Radeon), PNY, XFX, EVGA, and more...

Of these, the GeForce line has achieved widespread fame for its GTX, GTS, and GT line, which are all powerful graphics processors built to render even the most complicated graphics. Radeon is its chief competitor, and its 5000, 6000, and FirePro lines handle even the most high-resolution games with graphical ease.

Now, there can be several reasons why your video card isn’t functioning properly, so let’s address some of the basic problems you might run in to.

Common Problems Related To Video Cards/Display

Remember, there are also “front-end” issues with video rendering and display. These issues are usually related to the specific video player that you are using to play video. It’s absolutely necessary to update your video software and codecs so that you can access video.

For example, if you’re using RealPlayer, and you encounter error 2048, then all you have to do is download a transcodal translator, such as VLC codec, to fix the problem. For users of Windows Media Player, often a simple visit to Microsoft’s homepage will direct you to an upgrade that will allow you to play the video you’re attempting to play.

Video Card Problems Include:

• No Video – This can happen when media playback software isn’t updated or isn’t compatible with the OS. Also, specific playback software plays only appropriate files. Therefore, the result is an inability to play the video.
• Poor Graphics Rendering – Old video cards or graphics cards that don’t meet the demands of specific games or videos will sometimes display choppy and pixelated graphics. The only solution is an update of video cards.
• Malfunctioning Hardware or Lack of HDMI Cables – Your hardware needs to match the video output sent by your graphics card. For example, if you’ve got a graphics card handling HD graphics, you definitely need HD cables.

Your PC needs a fully functional and updated video card in order to process and display graphics properly. In fact, you might not be able to run any sort of program that requires a moderately complex graphical interface, if your video card drivers are outdated.

Steps to Update Video Drivers

You must pinpoint exactly what is causing the video card to malfunction. It could be a hardware issue. It’s fairly simple to check and see the culprit of your video card problems. One very handy tool is to utilize Device Manager. Device Manager is accessible in the following manner:

1. Click “Start”
2. Click “Control Panel.”
3. Click “Hardware and Sound”
4. Under the category labeled “Devices and Printers,” click “Device Manager”
5. You will notice a large list of hardware devices displayed in the Device Manager. The icons labeled “Display adapters” refer to the video card.
6. Click the arrow to expand the icons, and you can verify that the device is working properly.
7. If you see a yellow exclamation mark or triangle that means the actual device isn’t working properly.
8. If this is your problem, never fear, because you’ve identifying the central issue that is causing your video card to malfunction. That problem is…….OUTDATED DRIVERS!!!

So, all you have to do is update your video drivers. Sounds simple enough, right?

How to Update Video Drivers

There are several methods to go about updating drivers. If you wish, you can attempt to update your drivers manually. This involves actually visiting the video card manufacturer’s website, downloading the drivers, and installing them yourself.

While it might be tempting to go this DIY route, the fact of the matter is, this can be very risky. If you don’t know how to properly extract .INF files, and you’re not totally comfortable dealing with the System Registry, then you should avoid a manual update.

Resources for Finding Driver Updates

• Learn more about video drivers at the Microsoft Support Center.
• Wikipedia’s article on Device Drivers will help you understand the importance of video drivers.
• eHow also has an excellent article about how to update video drivers.

Related Videos:

How To Upgrade Drivers for a Video Card