nVidia drivers disappear but show in add/remove

I have a custom built computer. Have Windows XP (w/ sp3) with an nVidia GeForce 8500 GT graphics card, an Intel 3.0 Gb CPU and 2 Gb of RAM.

The problem I have is that I install the drivers for the nVidia graphics card it will install and work for a while then it disappears from the bottom toolbar on my desktop. So go to look for it in the start-> all programs and the only nvidia to show up is = nVidia PhysX properties. All of the other nVidia has disappeared. So then I go to my computer -> local C -> nVidia folder and it shows everything and if I click to install it says it is but it never shows up anywhere. So then I have to uninstall & delete all nVidia to then re-download the drivers. I do that and all is good again for a few weeks & then it repeats. :confused

To me it sounds like this is an issue with a software conflict or a cleaner that is too over ambitious. The only reason I can't believe this is that it only affects the nVidia. Any help please??? :-o

dragonwitch

 

You asked about cleaners. I use IoBit freeware & tool box. Also the ccleaner, MalwareBytes and once in a while I run regseeker (but the last is hand done). Using Norton anti-virus. I also use Mozilla firefox & not IE for getting on the internet. I'll have to try the driver sweeper and see if it helps. Unfortunately it will be a few weeks before I have a definitive of if it worked. I also don't know how to "remove all the nvidia driver helpers and the system tray icon menus" as you put it. The reason I need the icon on my desktop toolbar is that I use multiple displays and if I don't turn it off when not in use my husband who mods his SFCIII game throws a fit as it messes up his moding. Start ups are as they were when installed I've never changed the start up. Other than to erase the items in the "start up" folder under programs. I did shut down some start-up stuff in the iobit toolbox but not much.


klingondragon