VGC - LM1M video card

[threewolves]

Is it possible to replace this video card as unable to view video and keep getting error message concerning the video card. Have tried reset to factory. grateful for any help.

[Blencogo]

Hi threewolves and welcome.

Unfortunately the LM1M uses a laptop video chip (nVidia GeForce 8400M GT GPU) and not a desktop video card. This means it cannot realistically be changed.

What error message are you getting? Depending on the message, this could be cured with a new updated driver.

Are you still using Vista? If so try installing this driver: -

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/drivers/vista/176.37

[roblishm]

Hi Blencogo

I an also having problems with the same model ... I cannot get into window vista except in safemode. I tried to install the driver you recommended but the installer says it cannot find any suitable video card ??? (in safe mode).

I get a bad start vaio screen (squashed & deformed) and then the letter a regularly spaced across and down the screen as Vista tries to load ... also, the blue desktop background in safemode has lines that are "jagged"

Where can I get this machine fixed ... I'm guessing this is a hardware issue as the screen is borked even before windows loads .. ?

any help would be gratefully received

[roblishm]

OK...so... just found out about the nVidia GM8400 & 8600 fiasco (the video chip in this model) so it looks like this is another machine thats died due to nVidia... and guess what, I am just 4 months out of Guarantee (what a surprise). Lets hope that Sony will do the right thing and repair these machines.

I have managed to get my machine "working" by going into safe mode and disabling the Video card in Device Manager. At least I can now start my machine, get on the net, get my emails etc... but of course, nothing that requires any decent grapgics.

[Blencogo]

I haven't heard of any nVidia problems on your model before.

It is still very rare in Vaios. All you can do is to contact Sony Support and see what they say.

I imagine they will ask you to carry out a full System Recovery back to factory settings using the Vaio Recovery Utility to eliminate any possibility of a software conflict.