Computer Graphics Running Slow. Why? Can't Find Drivers!

So laptop is running a bit slow and lagging when it comes to the graphics driver. However, I cannot find my video card's manufacturer. Windows can't find it!

Background:
I installed a new hard drive and reformatted it with a new Windows XP. So putting everything back on, I noticed that Windows can't find the video graphics manufacturer, or doesn't recognize it. I also don't have the graphics driver anymore.

I am not sure if this is why my graphics is lagging or running slow but I imagine so.

I know that I have a nVidia GeForce graphics card but not sure which one.

My computer is a Dell 9400 Inspiron.

 

Hi,
this page.....

http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

... gives the driver for your card you can manually do it or you can let them search automaticaly for the right chipset driver and install it. I have already filled in option 1 with the card details that is in your machine, or you could choose option 2 to auto search for it.
You may have to install the M'board driver first,download graphic driver to desktop first (DO NOT install yet). install M'board chipset driver first,restart your machine the install Graphics driver.
iain.t :major

 

Thanks. It says:

"The NVIDIA Smart Scan was unable to evaluate your system hardware. Please use Option 1 to manually find drivers for your NVIDIA products."

 

Ok... does the link still have the card details in the box?? if so just click "search" you will be taken to another screen click "download" both are highlighted green.
in download box click "Run" follow the prompts from there on.

 

I just thought!!!! you have a Dell machine, you should have a service tag for that machine on the underneath, you can use that to get all the revelent drivers from their website for your machine with that tag.

 

Tried it. Says it couldn't install.

 

Yup you're right! Got it! It's a NVidia GeForce GO 7800

 

Great!!!! I should of pointed you to that straight away :-o .
hope every thing is up and running now.

iain.t :major

 

Thanks! The graphic card driver is installed and going. However my laptop still runs a bit slow with the graphics.

I'm also starting to see "No Page to display" its like in the middle of the desktop.

 

Hi,
Sorry for not getting back sooner.
how much Ram have you installed??, take out your Ram and give the gold contacts a clean with an eraser or an alcohol wipe reseat them firmly.

you could also try this......

download and install Driver Sweeper (BUT do not run it yet).... http://majorgeeks.com/Driver_Sweeper_d6171.html .... download the lastest driver version for your graphic card BUT dont install yet.

Use Add/Remove and unsinstall your Nvidia Graphics Driver, then reboot into Safe Mode (F8 at boot) and then run Driver Sweeper to remove any Nvidia Graphics files

Then install the Nvidia driver you downloaded earlier and once installed if not prompted to reboot, reboot into normal mode.

there may be conflicts with the other attempts at finding the correct driver hopefully if there was this will resolve it.

iain.t :major