Switching from 9800 Pro to 6800

[imported_SolarWind]

My Radeon 9800 Pro just died. I replaced the stock cooler with an Arctic Cooling VGA silencer so my warranty is voided. If the card is dead, I'm going to replace it with a Leadtek Nvidia 6800. However, I would prefer not reinstalling Windows XP and all my programs.

How do I completely remove the Radeon 9800 Pro drivers? I'm running Windows XP SP 1a with Direct X 9.0b and the Catalyst 4.7 drivers. Previously, I've had the Catalyst 4.4 drivers and the default Windows XP Radeon 9800 Pro drivers installed.

How recommended is it that I do a fresh install of Windows XP and all my applications?

 

[Cawchy87]

google: driver cleaner

 

[CaiNaM]

Originally posted by: Cawchy87
google: driver cleaner

i swtich between ati & nv all the time, and frankly have no issues by simply using the ati uninstall, then reinstalling an nv driver.

if you want to make sure you remove all traces, grab driver cleaner 3 from driverheaven.net

 

[Schadenfroh]

link for the lazy

 

[CaiNaM]

there is no need for a fresh install of you OS unless something is already broken.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: SolarWind
How do I completely remove the Radeon 9800 Pro drivers? I'm running Windows XP SP 1a with Direct X 9.0b and the Catalyst 4.7 drivers. Previously, I've had the Catalyst 4.4 drivers and the default Windows XP Radeon 9800 Pro drivers installed.

You should go to add/remove programs and uninstall your old video drivers first, reboot to safe mode and run driver cleaner.

http://www.driverheaven.net/cleaner/

Shut the PC down, swap video cards, turn it back on and now you can install the latest drivers.

How recommended is it that I do a fresh install of Windows XP and all my applications?

Unless you have spare time on your hands, it isn't necessary.

 

[billyjak]

I did exactly as John states going from my 9800 pro to a Leadtek 6800GT with not one problem, that drive cleaner program is the Best.
They should hire him to put it into the video drivers.

 

[imported_SolarWind]

Thanks, all.

I installed my old GeForce 2 GTS in my computer (it works) and tried the 9800 Pro in a friend's computer (it doesn't work there either). No doubt about it -- the 9800 Pro is dead. Wish it had lasted longer than two months.

John, my 9800 Pro is dead so I swapped in the GeForce 2 and uninstalled ATI's driver and control panel with the Nvidia card installed. Then, I ran Driver Cleaner. Everything appeared to go smoothly. I'll know for sure when the 6800 arrives.