Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows XP

This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta, specifically designed for the Windows XP operating system. This driver update, while a beta release, offers specific enhancements and support for a range of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. Understanding the purpose, supported products, and installation process of this driver is crucial for users seeking optimal performance and compatibility with their hardware, especially if they are interested in playing the game APB.

Purpose of the 197.57 Beta Driver

The primary reason for the release of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta was to provide a recommended update for the beta version of the PC game, APB (All Points Bulletin). This suggests that the driver incorporates specific optimizations or bug fixes tailored to improve the gaming experience within APB. It’s important to note that, according to Nvidia, this driver is functionally identical to the 197.45 WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver, with the exception of the APB-related update. This means that if you are not playing APB, the benefits of upgrading from the 197.45 driver might be minimal.

Supported Nvidia GeForce Graphics Cards

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta supports a wide range of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards, spanning multiple generations. This broad compatibility makes it a relevant update for many Windows XP users who were still using older hardware at the time of its release. Here’s a breakdown of the supported series and models:

• GeForce 300 Series: GT 330, GT 320, 315, GT 340, 310
• GeForce 200 Series: GTX 285, GT 230, 210, GT 240, 205, GT 220, GTX 295, GTX 280, GTX 275, GTS 250, GTX 260, GTS 240, G210
• GeForce 100 Series: GT 140, GT 120, GT 130, G 100
• GeForce 9 Series: 9500 GS, 9600 GSO, 9800 GX2, 9400 GT, 9300, 9800 GTX/GTX+, 9300 GS, 9200, 9800 GT, 9500 GT, 9400, 9100, 9300 GE, 9600 GS, 9600 GT
• GeForce 8 Series: 8500 GT, 8800 Ultra, 8400, 8200, 8800 GT, 8600 GS, 8600 GTS, 8800 GS, 8800 GTS, 8100 / nForce 720a, 8400 SE, 8300 GS, 8800 GTS 512, 8800 GTX, 8300, 8400 GS, 8600 GT
• GeForce 7 Series: 7300 GT, 7950 GT, 7300 GS, 7800 GS, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7100 GS, 7950 GX2, 7600 GT, 7300 SE / 7200 GS, 7900 GT/GTO, 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7300 LE, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7550 LE, 7650 GS, 7900 GS, 7900 GTX, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7800 SLI, 7600 LE, 7800 GTX, 7500 LE, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7350 LE, 7600 GS
• GeForce 6 Series: 6600 GT, 6800 LE, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6150 LE, 6150SE nForce 430, 6100 nForce 420, 6500, 6200 TurboCache, 6800 GS, 6150, 6200 LE, 6800 Ultra, 6250, 6600 LE, 6100 nForce 405, 6700 XL, 6200SE TurboCache, 6610 XL, 6100 nForce 400, 6100, 6800 XT, 6600, 6200 A-LE, 6800, 6800 XE, 6600 VE, 6800 GS/XT, 6800 GT, 6200
• ION Series: ION, ION LE

It is essential to verify that your specific graphics card model is listed before attempting to install the driver. Installing a driver intended for a different model can lead to instability or even hardware damage.

Downloading and Installing the Driver

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows XP can be downloaded from various sources online. Here is the primary download link:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13635/

Given the age of the driver, it is prudent to have alternative download sources in case the primary link becomes unavailable. Here are a few alternatives:

1. Softpedia: (Please search on Softpedia, since direct linking to older drivers can be unreliable).
2. DriverGuide: (Please search on DriverGuide, since direct linking to older drivers can be unreliable).
3. Guru3D: (Please search on Guru3D, since direct linking to older drivers can be unreliable).
4. Nvidia Legacy Drivers Archive: Check the official Nvidia website for archived drivers.
5. MajorGeeks: (Please search on MajorGeeks, since direct linking to older drivers can be unreliable).

Installation Process:

1. Download the Driver: Download the appropriate driver package for your version of Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit, if applicable).
2. Extract the Files: The downloaded file is usually a self-extracting archive. Run the file to extract the driver files to a location on your hard drive (e.g., C:Nvidia).
3. Uninstall Existing Drivers (Recommended): Before installing the new driver, it’s advisable to uninstall the existing Nvidia graphics driver. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel, under "Add or Remove Programs" (or "Programs and Features" in later versions of Windows).
4. Run the Setup Program: Navigate to the extracted driver files and run the "setup.exe" file.
5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The setup program will guide you through the installation process. Accept the license agreement and follow the prompts to install the driver.
6. Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is loaded properly.

Considerations and Potential Issues

• Beta Status: Remember that this is a beta driver, meaning it may contain bugs or compatibility issues that are not present in WHQL-certified drivers. If you experience problems after installing the driver, consider reverting to the previous driver version.
• APB Specific: The primary benefit of this driver is related to the game APB. If you don’t play this game, the upgrade might not be necessary.
• Windows XP Support: Windows XP is an outdated operating system, and driver support for it has largely ceased. While this driver was released during the XP era, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of using older drivers on modern systems (if, for some reason, someone attempts to use this driver on a newer OS).
• Driver Conflicts: In rare cases, installing new drivers can lead to conflicts with other hardware or software on your system. If you encounter such issues, try uninstalling recently installed software or drivers to see if that resolves the problem.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows XP was a specific update designed to improve the gaming experience in the beta version of APB. While it supports a broad range of older Nvidia GeForce graphics cards, its relevance is primarily for users who were actively playing APB on Windows XP. Users should carefully consider the beta status of the driver and the potential for compatibility issues before installing it. If you are not experiencing any issues with your current driver and do not play APB, upgrading to the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows XP may not be necessary. Always ensure you download the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows XP from a reputable source.