Can't get NVidia Control Panel to run

[MichaelD]

I am stumped. I cannot get the NVidia control panel to run. It simply does not open, no matter how or where you try to open it from. I'd really like to know the temps my card is running at...and this is a bummer.

This has happened on the same system with two different cards; a 7900GTO and now a 8800GT. Here's what I have done so far:

- Tried three different drivers including a Beta
- Uninstalled/reinstalled the card
- Uninstalled the drivers in Normal and Safe Mode
- Ran Driver Cleaner Pro in Normal and Safe Mode
- Ran the Cab Cleaner in Driver Cleaner Pro
- Flashed the MB BIOS to the latest version
- Reloaded DirectX
- Disabled my software firewall
- Disabled antivirus

After reinstalling the drivers, if I try to open the NV Control Panel, I get the popup "Do you want to start in Simple or Advanced Mode?" I have selectd both and always get the same result; the panel won't open.

There are no other GPU-related issues; no crashes or anomolies. The card works fine.

The next step is a wipe and reload...and you know what a PITA that is. I'd rather not, if I don't have to.

Any ideas on a fix? Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

 

[MichaelD]

?😕? Am I the only person w/this problem? Damn.

 

[Hauk]

You're looking for temp info so I assume you installed nTune as well. On my last config (680i, 8800 GTX) I couldn't open control panel after installing nTune. nTune is a bloated add-on anyway.

What about RivaTuner? You can monitor temps, OC, and adjust fanspeed (8800 GT you'll want to) Check this RivaTuner guide and download latest version.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks, SteelSix. You gave me some ideas. I don't have Ntune installed but I do have EasyTune installed. ET is Gigabytes monitoring/overclocking utility; I only use it for the former, but maybe it's confilicting with whatever the NVidia utility is trying to do?

Thanks much for the links and suggestions; I'll try RivaTuner. At this point, I don't think I will want to adjust the GT's fan speeds; it only ramps up during gaming and I've got the sound cranked up when I'm gaming so i don't hear it. 😀 Plus, my P180 case damps the sound pretty well. I have noticed that my case temp went up 3C since installing the GT; I really wish they would've used a dual-slot cooler that vents outside the case!

Thanks again.

 

[Hauk]

Oh, yea I bet there's a conflict going on. Try RivaTuner. It's a very light program.

On the fanspeed, some people are adjusting due to temps. I have a P180 and can appreciate the noise concern. I suggest a PCI slot cooler installed direclty under the card.

I did it for my GTX and brought case temps down several degrees. It will help with card temps as well. Creates a pull/push airflow. I bought this one local at Microcenter. It's a dual slotter, but fan is quieter than a single slot verstion. Three speed adjustable. Can't hear it unless it's set to high.