How to fix a display driver crash on a Dell Precision 5520
8 min read
A dell precision 5520 laptop with a blue screen of death on the display
As a Dell Precision 5520 user, you may have experienced the frustrating issue of a display driver crash. This problem often arises due to outdated or corrupted display drivers, which can severely hamper the performance of your system. It can also lead to black screens, freezes, and other software-related issues. If you’re facing the same issue, don’t worry; in this article, we’ll tell you how to fix a display driver crash on your Dell Precision 5520.
Understanding the causes of display driver crashes
Before we dive into solutions, let’s take a quick look at the underlying causes of display driver crashes on Dell Precision 5520. One of the leading causes is outdated or incorrect display drivers. Drivers are a set of files that establish a communication bridge between your hardware and software. An outdated driver can create a communication gap that leads to a crash. In some cases, an incorrect driver installation can cause display driver crashes, particularly if you have manually installed drivers that aren’t certified for your hardware.
Another common cause of display driver crashes is overheating. When your computer’s graphics card gets too hot, it can cause the display driver to crash. This can happen if your computer is running too many programs at once or if your computer’s cooling system isn’t working properly. It’s important to keep your computer clean and free of dust, and to make sure that the fans are working properly to prevent overheating.
In addition to outdated drivers and overheating, display driver crashes can also be caused by hardware issues. If your graphics card is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause the display driver to crash. This can happen if your computer has been dropped or if it has been exposed to extreme temperatures. If you suspect that your graphics card is the cause of the problem, you may need to replace it to resolve the issue.
Identifying the symptoms of a display driver crash
A display driver crash on your Dell Precision 5520 can manifest in several ways. One of the common symptoms is an abrupt black screen, where the monitor goes dark, and the system stops responding. In some cases, the system may issue error messages like “Display driver has stopped responding and has recovered” or “Display driver failed to start.” If you face these symptoms, your Dell Precision 5520 may have encountered a display driver crash.
Another symptom of a display driver crash is distorted or garbled images on the screen. You may notice that the images on your screen are not displaying correctly, with lines or blocks appearing in the wrong places. Additionally, you may experience a significant decrease in the performance of your Dell Precision 5520, with programs running slower than usual or freezing altogether. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is essential to take immediate action to diagnose and fix the issue to prevent further damage to your system.
The importance of updating your display drivers
As we mentioned earlier, outdated or incorrect drivers are one of the leading causes of display driver crashes on your Dell Precision 5520. Therefore, it is imperative to update your display drivers regularly. This will enable you to enjoy optimal system performance, as new drivers often provide improved functionality, stability, and bug fixes.
Another reason to update your display drivers is to ensure compatibility with new software and hardware. As technology advances, new software and hardware may require updated drivers to function properly. By keeping your display drivers up-to-date, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure that your system runs smoothly.
Additionally, updating your display drivers can improve the overall security of your system. Outdated drivers may contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers or malware. By updating your drivers, you can patch these vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of security breaches.
Step-by-step guide to updating display drivers on a Dell Precision 5520
Follow these steps to update your display drivers on your Dell Precision 5520:
- Open your favorite browser and navigate to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
- Select your Dell Precision 5520 system model and the operating system version installed on it.
- Select the category “Video” and click the “Download and Install” button for the latest driver version.
- Run the downloaded driver file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Restart your Dell Precision 5520 after driver installation completes.
It is important to keep your display drivers up to date to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest software and applications. Outdated drivers can cause issues such as screen flickering, poor resolution, and even system crashes.
If you encounter any issues during the driver installation process, you can try downloading and installing the driver manually from the device manager. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.” Expand the “Display Adapters” category, right-click on your graphics card, and select “Update Driver.” Choose the option to browse your computer for driver software and select the downloaded driver file to install it.
Troubleshooting techniques for fixing display driver crashes
If you’re still facing display driver crashes after updating your drivers, try these troubleshooting techniques:
- Check the cable connections to ensure they are secure and correctly plugged in.
- Remove any external hardware or devices and check if the issue persists.
- Scan your Dell Precision 5520 system for viruses or malware that may interfere with display drivers.
Another troubleshooting technique you can try is to roll back your display driver to a previous version. This can be done by going to Device Manager, selecting the display adapter, and choosing the option to “Roll Back Driver” under the Driver tab.
If none of the above techniques work, you may need to consider replacing your graphics card or seeking professional assistance. It’s important to note that attempting to fix hardware issues on your own can be risky and may cause further damage to your system.
Using Windows Device Manager to fix display driver crashes
If the above troubleshooting techniques don’t work, you can try fixing the issue using Windows Device Manager, which is a built-in utility in Windows operating systems. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + X simultaneously to bring up the quick-access menu.
- Select “Device Manager” from the list.
- Expand the “Display Adapters” section.
- Select your display adapter and right-click on it.
- Select “Update Driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
- Restart your Dell Precision 5520 after the update completes.
It’s important to note that if you’re unable to update your display driver through Windows Device Manager, you may need to download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually. This can be a more time-consuming process, but it’s often necessary to ensure that your display driver is fully up-to-date and compatible with your system.
Common mistakes to avoid when fixing a display driver crash on a Dell Precision 5520
Fixing display driver crashes on a Dell Precision 5520 can be challenging, but avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not manually install incorrect drivers that aren’t certified for your hardware.
- Do not use third-party driver update utilities as they can cause issues.
- Do not ignore Windows updates as they often contain critical driver and security updates.
Another common mistake to avoid when fixing a display driver crash on a Dell Precision 5520 is not checking for overheating issues. Overheating can cause the display driver to crash, so it’s important to ensure that the laptop’s cooling system is functioning properly and that the air vents are not blocked.
Additionally, it’s important to check for any hardware issues that may be causing the display driver to crash. This can include faulty RAM or a failing hard drive. Running hardware diagnostics can help identify any underlying hardware issues that need to be addressed.
How to perform a clean install of display drivers on your Dell Precision 5520
If all else fails, you can try performing a clean install of display drivers on your Dell Precision 5520. Here are the steps:
- Uninstall your current display driver using Device Manager.
- Download the latest display driver from the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
- Save the driver file on your desktop.
- Press the Windows key + R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes) into the box and click OK to launch the Device Manager.
- Right-click on your display adapter and select “Uninstall Device.”
- Check the “Delete the driver software for this device” option and click Uninstall.
- Restart your Dell Precision 5520.
- Install the driver file saved on your desktop earlier.
- Restart your Dell Precision 5520 again.
It is important to note that performing a clean install of display drivers may not always solve the issue. If the problem persists, it could be a hardware issue and you may need to contact Dell support for further assistance.
Advanced techniques for fixing persistent display driver crashes
If the above methods don’t work, you can try some advanced techniques, such as:
- Using third-party driver update tools like Driver Booster and DriverEasy.
- Manually modifying the registry to update display drivers.
- Performing a system restore to a point where the display driver worked correctly.
- Reinstalling Windows (as a last resort).
However, before attempting any of these advanced techniques, it is important to note that they can be risky and may cause further issues if not done correctly. It is recommended to seek professional help or guidance before proceeding.
Another option to consider is checking for any hardware issues that may be causing the display driver crashes. This can include checking for loose connections or faulty hardware components, such as the graphics card or monitor. If any issues are found, they should be addressed and fixed before attempting any software fixes.
Reinstalling Windows as a last resort for fixing display driver crashes
If nothing else works, the last resort to fix display driver crashes on your Dell Precision 5520 is to reinstall Windows. This can be a complicated process, so it’s essential to backup all your critical data to avoid data loss. Once your data is backed up, perform a clean installation of Windows and then follow step 1 through 5 above to install the latest display drivers.
Conclusion: Display driver crashes on your Dell Precision 5520 can be a frustrating experience, but they are fixable. Some of the common causes of display driver crashes include outdated or incorrect display driver installations. Updating your display drivers, troubleshooting hardware, and software-related issues, and performing a clean install of drivers can help mitigate display driver crashes on your system. However, if the problem persists, reinstating Windows may be your only solution.
It’s important to note that reinstalling Windows should only be done as a last resort. This is because it can be a time-consuming process, and you may lose some of your data if you don’t back it up properly. Additionally, reinstalling Windows will erase all the programs and settings on your computer, so you’ll need to reinstall everything from scratch.
If you’re not comfortable reinstalling Windows yourself, it’s best to seek the help of a professional. They can guide you through the process and ensure that everything is done correctly. They can also help you backup your data and reinstall your programs, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything important.
