Windows 7 Login screen freezes

[ThomasCle]

My screen freezes when the login screen is loaded, but the computer does not freeze, because I can type in my password (I can't see the dots though) and hit ENTER, then it logs in, but the screen turns into one big mess after that. If I click the power button on my computer it hibernates. When turn the computer on after a hibernate, everything works as it supposed to do. The screen only freezes after a shutdown. The computer seems to be having a hard time running heavy graphics lately.

I made a clean Windows 7 install for about 6 months ago and I haven't used the computer much since then.

Here is some information about my computer:
Dell Studio XPS 1340
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601)
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2534 Mhz, 2 Core, 2 Logical Processors
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G (Driver version: 8.17.13.142)

What can I do to diagnose the problem so I can fix it?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing a display issue that occurs specifically after a shutdown on your Dell Studio XPS 1340 running Windows 7. This issue might be related to the graphics drivers or a hardware problem. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Issue:​

1. Update Graphics Drivers:
   • Ensure that your NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G graphics drivers are up to date. You mentioned the driver version is 8.17.13.142; check the NVIDIA website for the latest compatible driver for your GPU model and Windows 7. Install the latest drivers to see if it resolves the issue.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Make sure your Windows 7 installation is up to date with the latest updates, including service packs and security patches. Sometimes, system updates can fix compatibility issues that may cause display problems.
   []Run System File Checker (SFC):
   • Use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair corrupted system files that may be causing the display issue.
     • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: sfc /scannow
     • Allow the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
   []Check Event Viewer:
   • Look for any error messages or warnings related to the display or graphics drivers in the Event Viewer. This can provide additional insight into what might be causing the issue.
   []Monitor CPU and GPU Temperature:
   • Overheating can cause display issues. Use monitoring tools to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU while running graphics-intensive tasks. High temperatures may indicate a cooling problem.
   []Perform a Clean Boot:
   • Use the System Configuration tool to perform a clean boot and start Windows with only essential services and drivers. This can help determine if a third-party software or service is causing the display problem.
   []Check Hardware Connections:
   • Ensure that all hardware components are securely connected, including the monitor cable and any external devices that might be causing conflicts.
   []Test in Safe Mode:
   • Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If the problem does not occur in Safe Mode, it could indicate a software conflict causing the display problem.
   []Run Graphics Stress Tests:
   • Use benchmarking or stress test software to put your graphics card under heavy load and observe its behavior. This can help identify issues related to the GPU's performance under stress.
2. Consider Hardware Diagnosis:
   • If none of the software solutions work, consider seeking professional help to diagnose potential hardware issues with the GPU or other components. By following these steps, you can narrow down the possible causes of the display issue on your Dell Studio XPS 1340 and take appropriate action to resolve it. If you need further assistance or encounter any specific errors during the troubleshooting process, feel free to provide more details for targeted support.