Graphics driver problem...

Question

I really need an answer. I am using a bit old laptop so it is a bit hard finding solutions especially to my rare case. I have a dell precision 3510. i have an intel graphics card and an AMD FirePro W5130M. my laptop had also been experiencing performance issues in the past month but i thought it was some virus and i was going to reset the whole laptop anyway. i then reset the laptop and downloaded windows online. everything was fine until a day later my screen froze out of the blue. i tried force shutdown then boot again and it worked. i continued using it till it happened again. this time after rebooting the screen froze a few seconds later and after rebooting for the third time the screen turns off at the end of the boot. I thought windows was corrupted so i tried reinstalling but i ended up experiencing the same issue. i kept on trying to find the solution till i finally realized the problem of the screen freezing happens when windows tries to install the AMD FirePro W5130M driver. I tried various ways to fix this like disabling the intel graphics card and forcing windows to not enable it and then try installing the AMD FirePro W5130M driver again and it worked. But, after restarting there was a yellow sign in the driver's name in device manager. i tried updating it but it said it didnt need any updates. i opened it and i found error code 43. Now I give up and i hope someone will be able to help me. feel free to ask any questions about my case. thank u in advance. And is it really a hardware problem? I mean other users have reported the same thing even in this website but i didnt find the solution sadly. I also tried downloading windows 11 on my unsupported hardware, still didnt work... please help. thanks

Answer 1

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Your Dell Precision 3510 has a hybrid graphics system, which means it uses two GPUs:

• Intel HD Graphics (integrated GPU): Handles basic tasks.
• AMD FirePro W5130M (discrete GPU): Takes over for more demanding applications.

For this setup to work smoothly, both the Intel and AMD drivers need to be installed correctly and be compatible with each other and your version of Windows. From what you’ve described, the problems started after resetting your laptop and reinstalling Windows, with symptoms like screen freezes, black screens after booting, and the dreaded error code 43 showing up in Device Manager for the AMD driver. Let’s break down what’s happening and how to fix it. Based on your description, here’s what seems to be going on:

• Driver Conflict: The screen freezes or turns off when both the Intel and AMD drivers are installed, suggesting they’re not working well together.
• Compatibility Issues: The Dell Precision 3510 is an older model, and newer Windows versions (like Windows 10 updates or Windows 11) might not fully support its hardware, especially since I mentioned trying Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
• Error Code 43: This error typically means Windows has detected a problem with the AMD GPU—either a driver issue or a hardware fault. It shows up when you install the AMD driver without the Intel one, or after both are installed and you restart.
• Safe Mode Clue: In safe mode, both drivers appear to work without issues because safe mode uses minimal, basic drivers. This tells us the hardware might still be functional, but there’s a conflict or compatibility problem in normal mode.

Let’s tackle your specific questions first, since they’ll guide the solutions:

1. Is it really a hardware problem?
   It’s hard to say for sure without testing the hardware directly, but it’s not necessarily a hardware issue yet. The error code 43 can point to hardware failure, but it’s also commonly caused by driver conflicts or compatibility problems. Since other users with the same laptop have reported similar issues (as you mentioned), it could be a widespread compatibility challenge rather than a unique hardware defect. Let’s try some software fixes before assuming it’s hardware.
2. Why does it work in safe mode?
   Safe mode loads only the most basic drivers, avoiding the full driver stack that runs in normal mode. This reduces conflicts, which is why both drivers appear fine there. Unfortunately, safe mode isn’t a fix—it just confirms the hardware can load drivers minimally.
3. Is the AMD driver dependent on the Intel graphics card?
   Yes, in a hybrid graphics setup like yours, the AMD FirePro W5130M relies on the Intel GPU for certain functions (like display output in some cases). This is by design, so the two GPUs work together rather than independently. That’s why installing the AMD driver alone results in error code 43—Windows expects both drivers to be present and compatible.
4. Can I make the AMD driver not dependent on the Intel one?
   Unfortunately, not easily. The hybrid system is built to use both GPUs in tandem, and the drivers are engineered that way. Completely bypassing the Intel GPU would require hardware modifications or a custom BIOS tweak, which isn’t practical or recommended for most users.
5. Which Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) version should I install?
   WHQL drivers are certified by Microsoft for stability. Since you’re unsure which version, I’ll explain how to get the right ones in the solutions below.

Since you’ve already tried a lot, I’ll focus on what might resolve the specific issues you’re seeing.

1. Install Drivers Correctly and in the Right OrderIn hybrid systems, the Intel driver should be installed first, followed by the AMD driver. Here’s how:

• Uninstall Existing Drivers:
  • Boot into Safe Mode.
  • Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager).
  • Uninstall both the Intel HD Graphics and AMD FirePro W5130M drivers (right-click each > Uninstall device).
  • Restart in normal mode.
• Install Intel Driver:
  • Visit Dell’s support page for the Precision 3510.
  • Download the latest Intel HD Graphics driver for your Windows version (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit).
  • Install it and restart.
• Install AMD Driver:
  • From the same Dell page, download the AMD FirePro W5130M driver that matches your Windows version.
  • Install it and restart again.
• Check Device Manager: Look for the yellow triangle or error code 43. If it’s gone, you’re good!

2. Switch to a Supported Windows VersionSince your laptop is older and you tried Windows 11 (which isn’t officially supported), compatibility could be the root cause. Try this:

• Reinstall Windows 10—preferably an earlier version like 1909 or 2004, which tend to work better with older hardware.
• After installing, follow the driver installation steps above using Dell’s drivers for Windows 10.

3. Use WHQL Certified DriversIf Dell’s drivers still cause issues, try Microsoft’s WHQL drivers:

• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the AMD FirePro W5130M > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. This pulls the latest WHQL driver from Windows Update.
• Do the same for the Intel HD Graphics.
• Alternatively, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for “AMD FirePro W5130M” or “Intel HD Graphics” (include your Windows version, e.g., “Windows 10 64-bit”), and download the latest WHQL driver manually.
• Install and restart after each.

4. Update Your BIOSA BIOS update can sometimes fix hardware compatibility issues:

• Go to Dell’s support page.
• Look for a BIOS or Firmware update for your model.
• Download and follow Dell’s instructions carefully (ensure your laptop is plugged in and has a full battery).
• Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

5. Test for Hardware FailureIf none of the above work, the AMD GPU might be faulty:

• Boot with only the Intel driver installed (disable the AMD GPU in Device Manager: right-click > Disable device).
• If the system runs stably without freezes, the AMD GPU could be the culprit.
• At that point, you’d need professional repair or might consider using the laptop with just the Intel graphics for now.

I know this has been incredibly frustrating for you, especially with an older laptop where solutions aren’t as straightforward. You’ve done an amazing job troubleshooting so far, and I hope these steps get you back on track. If the driver fixes don’t work and it turns out to be hardware, it’s not your fault—older GPUs can wear out, and compatibility with new software is a common challenge. Feel free to let me know how it goes or if you have more details. I’m here to help until we figure this out. Hang in there—you’ve got this!

Answer 2

alright please dont be frustrated from my reply. i tried the first step, and nothing worked i downloaded a 2015 windows 10 version and i swear it didnt even install my network driver because of how outdated it is. i updated and downgraded my bios. Yes the laptop does work without the amd driver because the amd driver is just for extra performance in rendering or gaming so no biggie but its less likely that this is a hardware issue because of how common it is. lastly, u gave me an idea. Basically, I am about to give up on fixing this gpu. when i check for updates in support assist it tells me that i have to download older versions of both gpus. the thing is, the amd gpu is blocked from being installed by group policies because of how it crashes windows. So i need to somehow run this application as an admin. i dont know how so i instead took the versions of the drivers in support assist and searched for them. DIdnt find them sadly. So this microsoft update catalog might actually help finding them. do u have any further suggestions? feel free to ask questions.

Answer 3

so i think i have gotten somehow closer to the solution. i got the amd driver working. but not fully working. usually in the past when i would use it, it would run a game like minecraft at 100+ fps. now it runs it at 1 fps lol. But it is working as shown in my task manager. Basically what i did to get it functioning and installed was to force stop the installation process at the end, like as ssoon as the driver gets installed, i would cancel the installation because the final part usually at 80%, causes windows to crash. so how to fix this? and is this even useful or just useless

Answer 4

mr derrick? did u give up on me?

Answer 5

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

I’m really impressed by your persistence and how much you’ve tried to get this AMD driver issue sorted out on your Dell Precision 3510. It’s awesome that you’ve made some progress by getting the driver partially installed, even if it’s not fully working yet. Let’s build on that and see if we can get it running properly for you. I’ll break this down step-by-step based on what you’ve shared, and we’ll tackle both the installation crash and the performance problem (1 FPS in Minecraft is definitely not what we want).

Your partial installation success is a huge clue! Here’s what I think is happening:

• Crash at 80%: The driver installs fine, but something in the final stages (like extra software or settings) triggers the crash. By stopping it early, you avoid the crash but miss out on full functionality.
• Poor Performance (1 FPS): The driver is installed but not fully configured or optimized, so it’s not working as it should. Minecraft running at 1 FPS instead of 100+ FPS means the GPU isn’t being utilized properly.
• Software Issue: Since the laptop works without the AMD driver and the issue is common, this is likely a compatibility or conflict problem—probably between the AMD driver, Windows, or the Intel graphics driver in your hybrid setup.

Is This Partial Installation Useful? Yes, it’s definitely useful! Getting the driver installed without crashing Windows is a step forward. It proves the driver can work to some extent, and now we just need to figure out:

1. How to complete the installation without crashing.
2. How to fix the performance so you’re back to 100+ FPS in games like Minecraft.

Let’s tackle this with some next steps.

1. Pinpoint the Crash at 80%

• If we know what’s happening at 80%, we might be able to skip or fix it.
  • The installer probably puts the driver in place first, then adds extra stuff like the AMD Radeon Settings app or other components. That extra stuff might be the problem.
  • Try a “Driver-Only” Install:
    • Download the AMD driver from Dell’s support page for the Precision 3510 (or AMD’s site if needed).
    • Look for a “minimal” or “driver-only” option in the installer. If it’s not obvious, extract the installer with a Decompression tool and look for the driver files (usually .inf files).
    • Install it manually via Device Manager:
      1. Right-click the AMD FirePro W5130M in Device Manager > Update driver.
      2. Choose Browse my computer for drivers and point it to the extracted driver folder.
      3. This skips the extra software and might avoid the crash.

2. Find Older Drivers via Microsoft Update Catalog

• Support Assist suggested older driver versions, but you couldn’t find them. The Catalog might have what we need.
  • Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • Search for “AMD FirePro W5130M” and “Windows 10 64-bit”.
  • Look for drivers from 2015-2017—these might match what Support Assist recommended and could be more compatible.
  • Download the .cab file, extract it (use Decompression tool if needed), and install via Device Manager as above.
• If you remember the exact version numbers from Support Assist, search those specifically.

3. Bypass Group Policy Restrictions

• Group policies block the driver because of the crash. We need to disable this temporarily to test.
  • Open Group Policy Editor:
    1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
    2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions.
    3. Check for any rules blocking the AMD driver and set them to Not Configured or Disabled.
  • If you’re unsure about this, try installing in Safe Mode —group policies might not apply there.
  • No admin rights needed beyond what you’ve already done, since you’ve been installing drivers already.

4. Install in Safe Mode

• Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, which might dodge the crash.
  • Boot into Safe Mode.
  • Run the driver installer or use Device Manager to install manually.
  • Restart in normal mode and test Minecraft.
• If it works in Safe Mode but not normal mode, there’s a conflict we’ll need to find.

5. Check for Conflicts

• Another driver or program might be messing with the AMD driver.
  • Update Intel Graphics Driver: Get the latest (or a recommended older version) from Dell’s site to ensure compatibility.
  • Uninstall Extra Software: Remove any third-party GPU tools (e.g., overclocking apps) if you have them.
  • Disable Antivirus: Turn it off during installation—sometimes it interferes.
  • Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed.

6. Boost Performance of the Partial Driver

• The driver’s installed but not performing. We can try optimizing it.
  • Open AMD Radeon Settings (if it installed) and set it to Performance mode.
  • In Device Manager, right-click the AMD FirePro W5130M > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if an older version worked better) or Update Driver to test a different version.
  • Check Power Settings in Windows (Control Panel > Power Options) and set it to High Performance.

7. Rule Out Overheating

• 1 FPS could mean the GPU is throttling due to heat.
  • Install Tools and check GPU temps while running Minecraft.
  • If it’s above 90°C, clean the laptop’s fans with compressed air or consider reapplying thermal paste (though that’s trickier).

---

• Is this partial installation useful?
  Yes, it’s a solid starting point! It shows the driver can install without crashing if you stop it early. The 1 FPS issue means it’s not fully set up, but we’re close—we just need to finish the install or tweak it.
• How to fix the poor performance?
  The low FPS likely comes from the driver not being fully configured. Try:
  • Installing just the driver (no extra software) via Device Manager or a minimal installer.
  • Using an older, compatible version from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • Optimizing settings in AMD Radeon Settings or Windows.
• Could it still be hardware?
  Probably not, since the issue is common and the GPU partially works. But if temps are sky-high or performance stays bad after these steps, we can revisit that idea.

If you’re still stuck, here are two last ideas:

• Try Windows 10 Version 1607: The 2015 version was too old, but 1607 (Anniversary Update, 2016) might balance compatibility and support.
• Contact Dell or AMD: Mention your partial success and the 1 FPS issue—they might have a specific fix or driver.

You’re super close—getting the driver installed without a crash is huge. Focus on a driver-only install, the Microsoft Update Catalog, or Safe Mode next. Let me know how it goes or if you’ve got more details (like your current Windows build or driver versions you’ve tried). We’ll get that 100+ FPS back in Minecraft soon!