Thinkpads Forum

I am exploring my new W701ds. I've only had it a few weeks, and haven't made many changes yet. Basically, I added anti-virus software, windows updates, and played around with it trying to learn what it will do before I start installing software. I purchased it to run some architectural design software which required dedicated graphics.

I read references to adjusting the display via the Nvidia Control Panel, but I can't open it. On the main control panel, there is an option for "Nvidia Control Panel," but when I click on it, nothing happens. Also, if I right click on the desktop, the Nvidia Control Panel comes up as an option, but if I click on it, it doesn't open either. Anyone know why?

I have already searched for answers why I can't open the Nvidia Control Panel, but didn't find the solution. I hope someone can help me.

My system is the W701ds with i7-Q820, 8MB RAM, 500 GB HDD, 1GB Nvidia Quadro 2800M, Windows 7

Thanks...

Jill

Jill, my guess is that a driver installation issue is responsible for the problem. Aside from critical security updates, updating all of your software to the latest versions is not always the best policy, especially since there have been lots of driver bugs lately. Anyway, the first thing I'd try is reverting to the original system installation and see if you still have the problem. If not, then I'd try downloading and installing any video driver updates manually instead of through the automatic update mechanism.

BTW, the way I revert between different system installations is by using disk imaging software such as Acronis True Image, which makes the process very quick and easy (definitely backup before reverting to a previous system installation). If you're not doing backups yet, then now is a good time to start. Here's more info on that.

Here are some searches for threads that go into more detail on nvidia driver/control-panel issues:

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl ... =&aql=&oq=

http://www.google.com/search?q=driver+% ... mages&tbs=

Note that many people also have difficulty adjusting the settings of the second display on the W700ds/W701ds. Threads in the W-series ThinkPad forums at forums.lenovo.com cover this issue and provide some workarounds.

Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I now remember reading prior posts when I was researching the w701ds that some of the older nvidia drivers had fewer conflicts than the newer ones; but I didn't think about that when I ran across my issue with the nvidia control panel. I'll peruse those links and look into the imaging software. This is a very new computer for me, and I don't even know how to use all the bells and whistles yet. Never had one like this one! I don't buy computers or hardware often, and I really, really miss having a manual to thumb through.

Jill

I ran into the opposite, where an older driver interfered with the NVidia control panel but a new driver worked just fine. It's just something you have to fool around with, and I agree it's a driver issue. Here are the Lenovo drivers for your laptop - http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70498.html