How to Clean Video Drivers

Video drivers are a software package that is an interface between running applications and a computer video card (adapter). Drivers are crucial for the proper functioning of computer hardware. Incorrect or poorly designed video drivers may result in the malfunction of your video card, or even the system's general failure (Windows blue screens). Whether you update drivers for the existing video card or replace the video adapter with a new one, it is necessary to clean old video drivers out of your computer. It should be done using the Windows Device Manager.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Log in to the administrator account in Windows Vista and click "Start."

2. Open "Control Panel" folder and select "Hardware and Sound."

3. Click on "Device Manager." Then click on the "+" sign next to "Display adapters" to expand this entry.

4. Right-click on the video adapter name, for example "Nvidia GeForce" and choose "Uninstall." Click "Yes" to confirm.

5. When prompted, click "Restart Now" to reboot the computer and finish the process.

References

• "Windows Vista Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Hacks", David A. Karp, January 2008

Resources

• NVIDIA Video Drivers