ATI 4870 Blank screen on bootup

[boglwe]

I have found a few threads on this topic on the web, but none really answered the issue. So, Anandtech community always have the answer, so here is the problem.

1. Installed Drivers for Vista 64, latest and past
2. Upon reboot of system, the post screen will show and the "Windows is starting" screen, then as soon as you go to vista logo, you can hear the comp boot up, but its all black.
3. I can unplug the DVI cable and plug it back in every reboot and it works, but this seems a ridiculous fix for the problem.

Does anyone know about this issue and if there is a fix?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mpilchfamily]

It may be an issue where the system is starting up in a resolution your monitor can't support. It may also be a driver issue. So you may have to boot into safe mode to get the drivers reinstalled. If you still can't get an image in safe mode then there may be more of a problem.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Make sure it is using the correct display. Look in CCC under display manager; that might be where the problem is... or maybe not

 

[boglwe]

After much further research, this is a known issue and ATI has made no attempt to fix this issue. ATI has lost my business for another 5 years I guess. O well, returning this and getting a 280.

 

[Sentry2]

Yep, I have the same issue sometimes with my X2. I have to blindly type in my password and then it fixes itself once on the desktop. Strange.

 

[Hauk]

Originally posted by: boglwe
After much further research, this is a known issue and ATI has made no attempt to fix this issue. ATI has lost my business for another 5 years I guess. O well, returning this and getting a 280.

I've had the sames issue (intermitt) with an 8800 GTX, 8800 GTS, and 9800 GTX. It's not ATI exclusive. The fix was unplugging the DVI and power cable to the LCD, letting sit for a minute then rebooting. Hasn't occured with 4870, 4870 X2 or GTX 260 though.

It's a Vista (esp 64) issue. Here's an nvidia thread:

nvidia forums

 

[crimson117]

This solved it for me (knock on wood)...

http://forums.nvidia.com/index...view=findpost&p=459864

Edit: I didn't knock hard enough. Still has the issue. I'm going to try:
- A super-cleaning of nVidia drivers.
- If that doesn't work, grabbing some much older drivers