Thinkpads Forum

Updating to Windows 7 SP1 today there was an Intel HD display update tucked in there as well that has broken Aero for me. A few weeks ago I had the same result when updating this graphics driver through ThinkVantage system update, but was able to use system restore to get out of it. Today the install of SP1 wiped out all older restore points, so I'm stuck.

I've tried installing the driver direct from Intel, tried rolling back the driver (driver still reports as November 2010 date..). If I 'Troubleshoot Problems with Transparency and Aero Effects' the result is "Color Depth Set too Low" (it's not) and "Desktop Window Manager is Disabled" (it's running).

Any thoughts? I need Aero back!

Problem solved! I uninstalled Air Display which is a program I use to extend my display to my iPad on when I travel. Must not yet be compatible with the new drivers.

Another possibility is when Windows updates some drivers it resets the Windows Experience Index. If you allow Windows to decide whether your hardware can handle Aero, sometimes the absent rating will cause it to switch it off. You might be able to reinstall the newer driver and then rate your computer again.

smallmouth wrote:Another possibility is when Windows updates some drivers it resets the Windows Experience Index. If you allow Windows to decide whether your hardware can handle Aero, sometimes the absent rating will cause it to switch it off. You might be able to reinstall the newer driver and then rate your computer again.

No, I'd tried that too. As noted, I am on the most current driver - it was the driver for Air Display that was in conflict with the new driver. Once I disabled Air Display, the new driver works fine.