Windows Freezes semi-frequently on Login after Catalyst Update

[ByronicHero]

Specs:
i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz
XFX HD6850
ASRock Z77 Extreme 4
8 GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs)DDR3
OCZ 550ZS PSU
1 500GB HDD


So I'm in a bind at the moment. On Sunday, after attempting to run Dragon Age : Inquisition, I had realized that I never updated my GPU drivers since 2012 (Catalyst 10.12).
First attempt at installation led to a crash and black screen. Subsequent attempts to uninstall via Catalyst Installation Manager (via Control Panel/Programs) were unsuccessful (got several "Error applying transforms" msg boxes).

I then downloaded Display Driver Utility to the driver and after unsuccessfully installing 15.7 which resulted in my computer freezing on the login screen (or alternatively, black screen with cursor), removing the Intel HD4000, removing 15.7 and installing 14.12, uninstalling 14.12 with the occasional bouts not being able to boot past login in Safe Mode. I realized I had 4 Windows updates I never installed.
They are (KB3064209), (KB2901983), (KB3048761), and a Intel Graphics update. After installation of the above updates, I was able to log in.

This evening however, I suffered two freezes and a failed safe mode boot before being able to get past the login screen again. I'm honestly pretty sure the reason for these freezes are my drivers, but I'm boggled on how to fix this w/o reverting to by 10.12 drivers. Worst case scenario, I nuke my system with the Windows 10 update.

 

[Ketchup]

Your description does sound like a driver problem, due to the fact that it was supposedly working fine before the new driver came along.

But the failures along with the OCZ PSU make me think it could be a hardware issue. And drivers wouldn't make your computer fail to boot in safe mode (it doesn't load them). Was there any specific reason you updated? It would be odd for a card that old to benefit from a new driver, save an OS update.

Techspot has an uninstaller you could try as well:
http://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16748/

If you can get an older driver working, such as the one you had originally, I would stick with it.

Edit: remember that XFX has a lifetime warranty on these cards, so if things don't improve you can discuss it with them.

Also, won't be a bad idea to run CPUID hardware monitor and look at the voltages on your PSU. Run something that pushes power a bit and see if there is much deviation on the rails.

 

[ByronicHero]

Your description does sound like a driver problem, due to the fact that it was supposedly working fine before the new driver came along.

But the failures along with the OCZ PSU make me think it could be a hardware issue. Was there any specific reason you updated? It would be odd for a card that old to benefit from a new driver, save an OS update.

Techspot has an uninstaller you could try as well:
http://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16748/

If you can get an older driver working, such as the one you had originally, I would stick with it.

The only reason I updated the driver was b/c Dragon Age Inquistion refused to run w/o an update to the graphics driver. I'll try the new uninstaller.

 

[denis280]

OCZ 550ZS PSU

I don't like this,But OP can you roll back the driver,or system restore

 

[redzo]

This evening however, I suffered two freezes and a failed safe mode boot before being able to get past the login screen again. I'm honestly pretty sure the reason for these freezes are my drivers, but I'm boggled on how to fix this w/o reverting to by 10.12 drivers. Worst case scenario, I nuke my system with the Windows 10 update.

This doesn't sound good at all. It wouldn't hurt consulting the windows event log(Application and System)also.

 

[ByronicHero]

This doesn't sound good at all. It wouldn't hurt consulting the windows event log(Application and System)also.

Anything specific I should be on the lookout for?

 

[redzo]

First red icon errors by their order of occurrence. The other errors following are usually being triggered by the first ones.
example pic: http://www.digitalmastersmag.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ApplicationHang.png

 

[ByronicHero]

Your description does sound like a driver problem, due to the fact that it was supposedly working fine before the new driver came along.

But the failures along with the OCZ PSU make me think it could be a hardware issue. And drivers wouldn't make your computer fail to boot in safe mode (it doesn't load them). Was there any specific reason you updated? It would be odd for a card that old to benefit from a new driver, save an OS update.

Techspot has an uninstaller you could try as well:
http://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16748/

If you can get an older driver working, such as the one you had originally, I would stick with it.

Edit: remember that XFX has a lifetime warranty on these cards, so if things don't improve you can discuss it with them.

Also, won't be a bad idea to run CPUID hardware monitor and look at the voltages on your PSU. Run something that pushes power a bit and see if there is much deviation on the rails.

The event has pretty much expedited my overhaul. GTX970 and new PSU is already on its way. Hopefully, fully wiping the AMD drivers [again] and then using a completely different set of drivers/videocard will stop this problem. Worst comes to worse, I use the Windows 10 upgrade.

Unless the hardware fault was MB/CPU related... ; _ ;

 

[Ketchup]

Well, the rest of your components would like the newer video card I'm sure. Hope the upgrade works out for you.