Troubleshooting Nvidia Driver Error: Resolving Event ID 153 (nvlddmkm)
If you’re experiencing persistent display issues or system crashes related to your Nvidia graphics card, you may encounter the Windows Event Viewer entry with Event ID 153 from the source ‘nvlddmkm’. This error indicates a problem with your Nvidia display driver, often leading to screen flickering, blackouts, or system instability. In this article, we’ll explore what this error means and provide comprehensive steps to diagnose and fix the issue.
Understanding the Event ID 153 (nvlddmkm)
The message associated with Event ID 153 typically reads:
“The description for Event ID 153 from source nvlddmkm cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.”
This error reflects a problem with the Nvidia Windows display driver kernel module (nvlddmkm). It often points to driver corruption, incompatibilities, or hardware issues related to the GPU.
The event data may include entries like:
\\Device\\Video3
Error occurred on GPUID: 100
While the details may vary, the core problem is that Windows encountered an issue communicating with your Nvidia graphics hardware, resulting in driver crashes or GPU hangs.
Common Causes of the Error
- Outdated or Corrupt Nvidia Drivers: Driver files may be outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your system or OS update.
- Driver Conflicts: Conflicts with Windows updates or other software can cause driver instability.
- Hardware Issues: GPU overheating, faulty GPU, or insufficient power supply can lead to driver crashes.
- Overclocking: Overclocked GPUs often experience issues if not stabilized properly.
Effective Troubleshooting Steps
1. Update Nvidia Drivers
Start by ensuring you have the latest Nvidia drivers installed:
- Visit the Nvidia Driver Download Page.
- Select your GPU model and operating system.
- Download and install the latest driver version, selecting a clean installation if available.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall Graphics Drivers
A clean reinstallation can resolve issues caused by corrupted driver files:
- Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from a trusted source to thoroughly remove existing Nvidia drivers.
- After a clean uninstall, reboot your computer
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