Major Sony Vaio problems - graphically, freezes, blue screens etc

[Tommygunn]

I have a Sony Vaio VGN-FZ18E which is experience some major problems at the moment.

Firstly, I get 'nvlddmkm' problem about every 10mins or thereabouts which causes the screen to lock, go fuzzy, blank the screen and then revive and become functional again.



This can eventually, or straight away, lead to a total fuzzy screen lock-up where I simply have to hit the off button to restart the computer.

This is also interspersed by various other screens such as those below; mixed pages, blue screen, which seem to have come from the Matrix.





The computer is about four years old and the front left of it can get very hot.

Is it just knackered?

Would a re-format and re-install do the trick?

Any ideas or solutions?

Cheers,

Tom.

[lZKoce]

To sum up: for 4 years up until now it was working alright. And at this point it started making these freezes etc>? Have you performed any physical maintenance during this period: I mean changing thermal paste on the CPU/GPU? Blowing dust out?

[Fourstaff]

Looks like graphics card dying to me. My last 2 cards did that to me before going 6 feet under.

[Liquid Cool]

Hello...

Isn't this the unit that was recalled? A nvidia graphics problem if I recall correctly...contact Sony, even if out of warranty they might do something for you if I'm correct.

Other than this...make sure the gpu/cpu isn't overheating and that the cooling blocks actually have good contact with the chips. I've seen this problem you're describing...and I've also seen it go away when temps we're brought down.

I'd try the above before spending any money. If you don't want to go to the trouble...send it to me.


,

Liquid Cool