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Resolved Question

AMD Graphics card

Dec 15, 2011 1:37PM PST

I have never delt with AMD graphics cards much.
I had to replace one and now have to install the drivers and Catalyst control panel.
Is it better to remove the the old drivers and software or will it go right in on top of it.
It had the same model card before that died so there is old AMD drivers and software on the computer already.
Thanks
Wayne

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mopscare42 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Install process
Dec 15, 2011 9:48PM PST

You can do the install "as is" and check results. Though they may seem the same, anything new is installed and anything old may ask you to continue. Otherwise, it simply installs w/o your input other than simple queries. It should clean past installs, etc., in order to install fresh. If it fails or seems to act wonky later, then do a complete de-install, reboot and install again. I suggest you use REVO uninstaller pgm., it does wonders. But, beware in any install there are default windows folders they usually install to on top of any other vendor made video folders. Overall, it should be a simple install process.

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Thanks Willy
Dec 15, 2011 10:32PM PST

I will do as you suggested when I get home this afternoon.

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Willy, Just a update.
Dec 16, 2011 7:08AM PST

I could never get the drivers and Catalyst control to load.
Turns out the computer was still under warranty so we called Dell.
The tech got into the computer remotely and it took him an hour and a half to get the software loaded.
Even though we removed the old program he said there were bits and pieces and never got deleted and was causing a conflict.
I saw him download and use CCCleaner as well as get in to regedit and several other things.
If all AMD cards are like that I will stick to Nvidia.

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If you want...
Dec 18, 2011 3:18AM PST

Sorry, that you still have problems. I offered the use of REVO uninstaller as a better removal of the AMD video install. If you have the "on-board" video port, use it. Enable it in the bios area. Remove the video card(power-OFF). Then use the REVO pgm. or MS own uninstaller at add/remove icon. Once done, reboot and having the on-board video, it should boot-up. Once done and it's OK. Then shutdown, and install the new video card. Reboot and enter the bios area and disable on-board video, save upon exit. Allow it to exit the bios area and then it should see the new video, proceed as required. You may or may not need to swap video cable over when needed. I hope this clears this up for you, since the warranty tech couldn't. If no on=board port, then disregard and still follow install for the bios to acknowledge the new video card once old install was removed.

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Thanks Willy
Dec 19, 2011 12:12AM PST

She got the new graphics card as a replacement from Dell warranty.
There was nothing in the box., but the invoice.
The Dell Studio XPS 435T has no onboard video, graphics card only.
She told me she download and ran REVO the night before so it didn't get everything out, according to the Dell tech.
This computer belongs to a lady who had no idea you should do disk cleanup or any other maintenance, just run the computer until something goes wrong.
Thanks for the advise, I have saved it in case I ever run into the problem again.
As for the AMD cards, that is all my son uses and he said he has never had a problem like this one, so I guess it was just a odd case.