I discovered this issue a few days ago while attempting to install Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition on my home computer as part of the training for my MCSE course (also for fun). After finishing up the Windows setup I started loading up the device drivers one by one. Chipset, LAN, and sound drivers work fine. However when I try to install the most current video drivers for my GeForce 6800 I hit a wall. The driver install program seems to go through fine, however when I reboot the image quality is terrible and the right 1/8th of my screen is clipped off ( @ 1440 x 900 resolution).
Re-installing the driver didn’t correct the problem, neither did trying an older version of the driver. After a couple hours of trolling both official and non-official tech forums I figured out that the problem I was having was related to Physical Address Extensions or PAE.
What is PAE?
Without getting too technical ( click here for detailed info) PAE is a way for 32 bit operating systems, which can only support 4GB of RAM natively, use up to 128 GB of RAM (in Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition) .
Why the problem?
Long story short: I have no idea. But what I do know is, based upon Microsoft Knowledge Base article #283296, that Nvidia drivers are not supported under operating systems that use PAE.
It is fairly easy to see if your system is using PAE (the first hint would be the terrible performance of your Nvidia graphics drivers). All you have to do is click on Start –> Run –> Type “msconfig” –> Click on the “BOOT.INI” tab near the top.
MSConfig Boot Tab
You can see the /NOEXECUTE flag at the end of the operating systems listed above, either that or a /PAE flag will activate PAE on the target operating system.
The solution?
It would be nice if Nvidia would update their drivers to include support for PAE, but as far as I can tell from their forums they are just ignoring this problem all together. Luckily there is another option! There is an online community called NGO (NGOHQ.com) which provides third party compatibility focused drivers for both ATI and Nvidia chipsets. To download the appropriate drivers just visit the site above or click one of the following links: