T520 with Optimus - Can't install Intel Graphics Driver in XP

Question

Hello,
I have T520 with Optimus FHD screen.
I have XP installed in my Ultrabay HDD.
I understand that XP doesn't support Optimus and that I must go to BIOS and choose either Discrete or Integrated.
OPTION 1 (Discrete Only)  Which someone what works:
- So, when I have Discrete enabled in BIOS - and installed Nvidia Drivers in XP - everything works fine, expcept on 90% initial boot ups after going from Win 7 to XP (F12 Options) -  I assume the NVIDIA driver doesn't get initially recognised and the XP boots up in non native resolution.
- It's only after I restart again and use (F12 again) to pick Ultrabay with XP, the Nvidia gets properly loaded. But this time, there is a prolong delay (60 to 90 seconds) of black screen after the WIndows XP Welcome screen before the desktop appears.
OPTION 2 (Intgrated Display Only) - Of couse, this after uninstalling NVIDIA Graphic Driver in XP
- In BIOS, Integrated Graphic in choosen.
- XP boots up in basic resolution.
- I download (From Lenovo T520 Driver Page) - Intel Integrated Driver for Win XP 32.
- When I try to install it, it says "The computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements for installing the software"
- BTW, I do have all the WIndows Updates including NET 3.0 and higher
- So then, I try to forcibly installed through Device Manager and Having DISK  - but I get Error message.
- But somehow, it works after.
One guess I have and that confuses me is the Otimus Graphic Card - where maybe it can only work with either Optimus Drivers in Windows 7 or Nvidia Drivers in Windows XP. And that the Integrated Intel HD Graphic Drivers in for XP on Lenovo website are only meant for T520 with Intel Graphics ??!!
Or can optimus be used with intergrated intel drivers only in the XP?
If anyone can shed a small light, I would be grateful.
Thanks You
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Answer 1

Glad to know everything is working for you.
You shouldn't need the discrete to watch flash videos, the Intel integrated should be able to handle that on its own.
The nVidia card shouldn't be running at all when the machine is in integrated . In fact it doesn't even run in Optimus except when it is actively being used. nVidia proved this when it was first demoing the technology. nVidia removed the nVidia chip from the motherboard of an active system that was running in Optimus using only the integrated graphics, and the computer kept running without issue and the power consumption was the same with and without the chip on the board.
If you really wanted FireFox to always run with the nVidia card (again, I don't know why you would want this) you can change the settings in the nVidia control panel to force FireFox to run with discrete.
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