Re: Black Screen w/ Cursor, Sound, and Flashing on start, no video or input
Maybe try disabling the nVidia card by either using that 3D setting to force the Intel or just straight up disabling the nVidia card.
I'm curious if this would cause a different issue (i.e. error message about Intel Graphics) or if it would present itself in the same way.
If it presents itself in the same exact way with the nVidia card disabled, this would lead me to believe the nVidia card isn't actually doing it's job (i.e. Optimus isn't switching correctly).
If that's the case (optimus isn't switching on the nvidia) uninstalling the drivers (intel and/or nvidia) and clean wiping them with DDU can often bring them back up to working correctly.
My post here should cover it.
http://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Problem-with-Intel-Driver-update/m-p/5277678#U5277678
Sorry it isn't exact steps. Getting a non-working Optimus to work right is always a bit of trial and error but wiping drivers and starting over usually is a step in the right direction.
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If when you disable the nVidia and get a different error or it starts working, then we at least know to point the finger at the nVidia. In that case wiping with DDU is probably the step I'd take anyways though.
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Sorry for the incoherent ramblings. I'm heading to bed but I'll check back tomorrow morning.
If you want, you can post your DXDiag. Maybe something will jump out. Maybe it's something silly like Windows DPI settings not being 100%.