ATI Radeon AIW WinXP drivers messing up badly...need some advice

[StandardCell]

I posted a topic in the Software section regarding a total flake-out of the WinXP AIW Radeon drivers causing total system instability and inability to run above 640x480. I solved the problem by reinstalling everything, which is not an ideal situation, but it worked. So, everything was running fine and I downloaded the latest updates and ATI DVD 5.0. Today, I got a flake-out again, this time from the Windows Watchdog, and in the log file it said the driver was caught in an infinite loop!!! The error was brought up on boot-up after I logged in, and said it was causing my system to be unstable and to download the updates. I already had!

So, now I'm afraid that the system is going to puke on me again, and I can't afford to spend another entire day to reinstall the whole mess. I *WAS* going to image the hard drive, since with the basics it only amounted to ~4GB, but now I'm not so sure if it's worth it after this instability. Anyone ever see this or have some ideas? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[Disastroman]

I have an AIW Radeon 32 ddr agp on an asus tusl2 with a Cele 1.2,
needless to say after upgrading to XP, I can't use Guide Plus...it won't load TV schedules...
I've had nothing but trouble from day 1 with ATi DVD, I've always used Power DVD even before my ATi, and have no bouts with that
since that was fine with me (vers 3.0 works great)so delete ATi DVD from your option and get PWR dvd 3.0(check a vendor and you'll grab it for oem $15 or so)Also, If you installed the drivers using anything other than basic VGA setup at first step, you're screwed. You must set the Display to basic vga, then go back out and access the disc and load the drivers manually. It's a real pain in the ass but
the only way that works ........ for the SCREWY ATI DRIVERS. Anyway, I just got a Geforce 3 Ti200, PNY Verto. It blows smoke all over the Radeon with a total 100% increase in performance. No more driver problems here. I will miss my TV on PC , but the graphical edge is worth the switch. According to NVidia Analyzer, The Ti500 would only add a 3% increase in performance with my card at 100% and the Ti500 at 103%. This blows me away. Notewothy is the truth that you MUST remove all ATi drivers using the reference CD that came with your Radeon. Any other attempts with leave you with 'crossover' trouble.

 

[StandardCell]

<< I have an AIW Radeon 32 ddr agp on an asus tusl2 with a Cele 1.2,
needless to say after upgrading to XP, I can't use Guide Plus...it won't load TV schedules... >>



Didn't have that problem...YET...



<< I've had nothing but trouble from day 1 with ATi DVD, I've always used Power DVD even before my ATi, and have no bouts with that
since that was fine with me (vers 3.0 works great)so delete ATi DVD from your option and get PWR dvd 3.0(check a vendor and you'll grab it for oem $15 or so) >>



Good advice...will do that ASAP...



<< Also, If you installed the drivers using anything other than basic VGA setup at first step, you're screwed. You must set the Display to basic vga, then go back out and access the disc and load the drivers manually. It's a real pain in the ass but
the only way that works ........ for the SCREWY ATI DRIVERS. >>



Well, the install of WinXP was fresh, so the drivers were installed off the CD. I then UPDATED them but the screen was at 1024x768 when I did. I seriously doubt this had anything to do with what's going on.



<< Anyway, I just got a Geforce 3 Ti200, PNY Verto. It blows smoke all over the Radeon with a total 100% increase in performance. No more driver problems here. I will miss my TV on PC , but the graphical edge is worth the switch. According to NVidia Analyzer, The Ti500 would only add a 3% increase in performance with my card at 100% and the Ti500 at 103%. This blows me away. Notewothy is the truth that you MUST remove all ATi drivers using the reference CD that came with your Radeon. Any other attempts with leave you with 'crossover' trouble. >>



I'd love a Ti500 with even some basic PVR and S-video in/out features. I'm expecting it since I think Gainward did it with a GeForce2MX. As far as drivers go, Nvidia kicks some serious a$s...now all the OEMs need is to get a freaking card with those features. *sigh* sometimes I think I should've gone with a Mac to do the analog video in/out...

Anyone else want to weigh in?