Program launch

Question

Hello,

I recently installed new ram on my laptop (8 to 16 Gb) but now it seems that several programs do not run properly or at all in such a way that it seems the graphics driver is the issue. For example, Minecraft will not launch at all and will return to the launcher when you try, Matlab will work for a moment or two and then will crash and a new program I have downloaded, Anki, seems to be having the same problem. If anyone has any ideas of what may be wrong that would be appreciated.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi Jonah. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor.

If this problem began right after the new RAM was installed, are you sure it was spec'd precisely as there can be no variance in the specs for RAM.

Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is precisely spec'd and configured, what upgrade options exist for first quality RAM: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

Test the memory using WIndows Memory Diagnostics: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-det...

If problems are found then test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/how-to-test...

Next, The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/ddu-guide-t... (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or install in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

Then watch WIndows Updates which may push a new monitor driver based on the display driver you now have installed.

Finally Make sure you are signed into the game and MS Store at top right corner Profile icon. This saves Store games progress.

Do you know when this started? If so See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

Finally let's tr the standard fixes for games to see if they work. Even if you've already tried one of these steps, please do them over in sequence:

1. Check for game Updates in MS Store Hub (three dots at top right of Store app) > Downloads & Updates.
2. Run the MS Store apps troubleshooter at Windows Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps.
3. Try to Reset or Repair the game in Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > [Name of game] > Advanced Options > Reset or Repair. Restart PC.
4. If that's not enough then uninstall the game from the same place, restart PC, reinstall the game from MS Store Hub (three dots at top right of Store app) > My Library.
5. If the above steps don't help then go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

6. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

7. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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