Can't Install Nvidia Driver - Windows Update Failure

Shawn, Et.Al.--

I'm in a bit of a 'pickle'.

My Display Adapter's driver (Device Manager) is defaulting to the Microsoft default: Microsoft Basic Display Adapter. That default only provides a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 which does not accommodate my Samsung monitor that wants a resolution of 1920 x 1080. That results in a horizontally stretched desktop (unacceptable)!

Running the NVIDIA installer EXE fails in the middle of installing the driver for my GEForce GTX 260 graphics board- thus Windows chooses to use its default driver.

There exists a Windows update that specifically addresses the GTX 260 driver issue, but my attempts to perform a Windows Upgrade results in the following:


All 3 updates fail with Error: 0x8000ffff.

I'm really ONLY interested in the last update, and am desperate to install it!

I have never manually downloaded/installed an individual update, so I'm going to need some guidance there. Or how to fix all of my 0x8000ffff errors to result in a clean install. I believe if I can achieve a successful install of JUST the last update, then my objective will have been achieved!

I seek, and appreciate any/all advice and counsel that any/all of you may provide.

Thanks in advance...

Randy Reist (lairbear)

Hello @Lairbear, I found the Nvidia driver for your card on their site. You'll need to download it and install.
NVIDIA DRIVERS GeForce 342.01 Driver WHQL

This is for 64 bit OS, if yours is 32 bit you'll need to search their site from the drivers tab>all drivers.
I'll follow this thread to see if you need help.

Jamis, Slippery--

Thanks for the quick reply. I've updated my System Specs to reflect: 64-Bit Pro, Version 1909 Build 18365.535.

Sure wish that someone could come up with a way to achieve a clean install of the GTX 260 driver update. That would put me in 'Fat City'!

I have the driver installer EXE in-hand. The one that you identified, Slippery. That's the one that fails to complete the graphics driver install.

Continued Thanks,

Randy, Lairbear
Software Engineer, Retired (37 years in the business)

First go to control panel and change the settings as shown in pic. See the pic to find old control panel on start menu. I suggest you right click it and pin to start. It's much better than the new "settings".
If this fails to install properly, we will go on a new journey because that driver is from 2016 and may not be properly recognized by Win 10. We'll cross that bridge if and when.


Display Driver Uninstaller Download version 18.0.2.1 > download this tool extract to a new folder on boot drive.


Add Safe Mode to Boot Options in Windows 10 >read this tutorial to enable safe mode on the windows 10 boot menu. I am able to get to the boot screen by HOLDING DOWN THE SHIFT KEY AND RESTARTING. Once in safe mode, login as administrator and DISCONNECT YOUR MODEM then run DDU. Choose GPU in DDU, then choose CLEAN AND RESTART. When it reboots LEAVE INTERNET DISCONNECTED. Run the Driver install (you may have to OK run as administrator. If and when it installs OK, reboot, then right click desktop and choose Nvidia control panel to go thru the settings.

Well, thanks for your input but his system is better than 10 years old. I have the same setup in my 2nd system specs. He has some failed attempts and he doesn't sound like he would know where to go and what to do as you suggest. I use to do it the way you describe and then manually clean out the previous install garbage manually. DDU does an hours worth of removing what is left behind in about 15 seconds. It is well respected and recommended here (I even gave the author a donation- I never do that) But, it's his choice. At this point, I don't know what he has done that caused the failure.
As for the WU problem, yes that's fine but I think he should get his video drivers in and get that back to normal first. Then he can fix the updates. To see why, read his first post. His video is a heck of a mess.

Slippery, Coolmistry--

Thanks for the feedback...

Let's see if I understand correctly:

1) I downloaded the DDU utility, and moved it to Program Files (x86)\DDU\ DSOne.exe

Then I am to uninstall the existing Microsoft default driver: (Microsoft Basic Display Adapter) for my Display Adapter.

I am now to Boot in Safe Mode (Already have a desktop shortcut for that).

Once booted, I then run DSOne.exe, and sit back and watch.

Note that my Username has Administrator privileges, and I'm always logged-in with that UN.

Reboot in Normal Mode.

Try to run the NVIDIA Installer file:

342.01-desktop-win10-64bit-international.exe

...And hopefully no fur flies !!!!???

Is my understanding correct?

I'm taking a short smoke/coffee break...But I shall retunr.

Godspeed,

Randy

first, does your CPU have video support? If not leave the basic adapter as is. You might lose video. I have that X58 chipset on an older M/B with an I7 9730 CPU but it's down for repairs.
You can restart in safe mode disconnect internet and run DDU. It only takes it 10 sec or less and it will restart you into normal win 10 with no video drivers. That's why you should leave basic adapter and driver as is. Then you run the driver setup. If that goes well, you can go to device manager and see what happened to the GTX260 and the mic basic adapter.
Back when I was much better than you at screwing up driver installs and ya had to clean up the mess manually(no DDU) is when I happened to get that "microsoft basic adapter. It didn't end well and I purposely repress the memory of it.

Slipp--

I've created an RP in Normal Mode. Looked at Device Manager, specifically Display Adapter, and it still shows the default driver in use.

I'm about to yank my network cable, then do a Safe Boot, then run DSOne.exe.

Does that sound right with you?

Send me an Email at: Lairbear980@Comcast.net either way!

I won't go any further until I hear from you.

R