Amd catalyst is not installed. AMD Catalyst Control Center: installation and configuration. Reasons why AMD Catalyst Control Center may not start

One of our readers asked for advice, and the editors at Tom's Hardware discovered a very unusual problem. At first glance, it is unlikely to seem serious, but the frequency of its occurrence is still somewhat annoying. After viewing several forums on the Internet regarding this problem, we came to the conclusion that it is not private for our reader. This fueled interest in the issue, especially since we did not find any reasonable explanation for the problem. The problem itself is that the Device Manager and the Catalyst Installation Manager cannot agree. whether the Northbridge driver is installed or not.

The reader had already contacted AMD support, but since the computer was running without any obvious problems, he was told that everything should be fine. But this answer did not satisfy the reader - and neither did we. We intentionally went through the installation process Catalyst drivers on three different Windows systems 7, and were able to repeat the problem in all cases. In the end, it turned out that our reader was right.

The problem manifests itself under the following circumstances.

Windows 7 (x64, x86);
motherboard based on AMD chipset;
drivers from Catalyst 10.2 to 10.5 ( latest version at the time of testing);
installation in Custom mode (not in Express mode).

We hope that the article will be useful, because an old but very effective trick, which we will talk about a little later, turned out to be a solution to the problem. In addition, it has the potential to eliminate other pitfalls that may arise when installing AMD/ATI drivers. We'll also take a quick look at a hidden option in the Catalyst installer that may also be useful.

To eliminate all possible sources of errors, we used a "clean" Windows installation 7 with no drivers or updates installed, except for updates to Windows 7 itself.

In the Device Manager, in the System section, we selected the “AMD PCI Express (3GIO) Driver” item, in which we found the files atipcie.sys (x86) or atipcie64.sys (x64). These drivers are installed by default. We have recorded the version of the installed drivers before further installation.

Then we unpacked the current version of the Catalyst drivers (at the time of testing) into the directory we specified, and then launched the installation, leaving it at the initial stage, where the choice of installing or uninstalling drivers is made.

We selected "Uninstall" followed by "Custom Uninstall" to get a list of components that the installer recognizes. And the result confirmed the problem we identified earlier: the Catalyst installer did not recognize any installed components, although the driver was already installed in Windows 7 and updated via Windows Update.

After running the installation again, we selected "Installation" followed by "Custom Installation".

In addition to USB drivers, we now have the option to install Northbridge drivers. Interestingly, the version offered was the same as the one already installed. We chose to install the drivers anyway to avoid any confusion. The installation completed successfully.

After the mandatory reboot, we reopened the Catalyst installer to see what options appeared in the driver removal option. With the exception of USB drivers, we didn't find any other options. Then we ran the installer again to install the drivers, after which we discovered that the driver was offered to be installed again, that is, nothing said that it was already installed!

Even though this problem can only be detected in Custom installation mode (Express mode displays very little information about the installation process), we were puzzled. Well, let's identify the reason and present a possible solution.

Possible reasons

After some experiments and removal "on the forehead" (with Cleaner utility and manually erasing registry entries), we have concluded that the AMD Catalyst installer and drivers obtained through Windows installation and/or Windows Update do not interact with each other. Although manually installing and uninstalling the driver via Device Manager works fine, the Catalyst installer "forgets" about the installed driver, prompting you to reinstall the already installed driver. installed drivers, not exclusively supplied by AMD (that is, they are already offered by Microsoft).

At the same time, the reverse scenario is not possible, since the drivers are not detected by the installer during installation or uninstallation. Basically, only AMD can answer whether this is a consequence of the protection mechanism or an installer error in determining the drivers.

But we would like to note once again that the identified problem does not lead to any computer failures. It can be called an annoying oversight that causes confusion for those users who regularly monitor driver versions to ensure that their computer always works with the latest drivers. But our little research showed that this situation has existed for quite some time, and there has still been no explanation or fix from AMD.

The Catalyst installer begins its work by extracting files into the specified directory. We will need it to perform the trick.

We went to the directory with the unpacked files, after which we selected the "Config" subdirectory. It contains the file "InstallManager.cfg". We opened it with a suitable text editor Notepad The contents of the file are shown below.

Pay attention to the item "WorkaroundInstall". By default it is set to "false". We activated the item by setting the value to "true", and then saved the file.

We then started the installation from the directory by executing the Setup.exe file. Please note the installation options we agreed to.

The situation, as we see, has changed: now, after executing the Catalyst installer, only AMD-exclusive driver packages are saved.

Additional benefits

This trick also helps in situations where the Catalyst installer for some reason refuses to install the driver, despite the connected hardware and the old driver working perfectly. So the next time you encounter a strange installation problem, remember that the modification installation file can work a miracle. We used a similar trick when the current version of Catalyst 10.5 refused to install on systems with already installed versions 10.2 or 10.3.

As we already described just above, we went to the directory with the unpacked files. Then to the "Config" directory, after which we opened "InstallManager.cfg" in Notepad/Notepad. However, in this file we also found a "Show Update" item at the bottom. By default it is set to "false". We activated this item by setting the value to "true", and then saved the file.

Then after running the installer a new option appears.

If you select the "Update" option, previously hidden, a new wizard will launch.

Here you can update individual components without having to remove them. As far as we understand, the Installation option performs only limited or no uninstallation procedures, while the Update option combines a complete uninstallation and installation of selected components in the same reboot cycle. This allows you to save on one reboot cycle, which is required when complete removal drivers. This step is also useful after removing drivers and rebooting, since Windows may automatically replace removed drivers against your will.

If you are a user of Catalyst drivers, then take the identified problem calmly. It may seem strange at first, but this problem will not lead to serious crashes. Moreover, if you know some tricks, you can solve many similar problems easier and simpler than it may seem at first.

Manually editing the Catalyst configuration file can help solve problems similar to the one we described. In the article, we described in detail steps that will help inexperienced users. Perhaps AMD will react somehow. The more features a software package contains, the more complex it becomes. And mistakes will inevitably occur. The real question is how quickly errors will be identified and corrected. All this should be taken into account when filing complaints.

A clean installation of Windows, as well as the installation of new hardware components in a PC, almost inevitably ends for the user with the need to search for and add drivers to the system various devices. A video card, as one of the most important components of modern computers and laptops, requires the installation of components to be able to function properly almost in the first place. Owners of Radeon graphics adapters can practically not worry about this issue, because a powerful and functional tool has been created for them - AMD Catalyst Control Center.

Download and update AMD drivers via Catalyst Control Center

We can say that AMD Catalyst Control Center (CCC) is designed mainly to maintain the performance of video cards that are based on graphics AMD processor, at the proper level, which means that installing and keeping drivers up to date should be carried out using this software without special problems. In fact, this is true.

The CCC installer is now called Catalyst Software Suite. It cannot be downloaded from the official website for modern powerful video card models - the developers have created a new application for them: AMD Radeon Software. Use it to install and update video card software.

Automatic installation

The driver package for Advanced Micro Devices graphics adapters is included in Catalyst Control Center and that's it necessary components are added to the system when installing the application. In order to install the video adapter driver, just follow a few simple steps.

Download the AMD Catalyst Control Center installer from the official website of the manufacturer in the section technical support. For getting the required version drivers must be determined by type, series and model GPU, on the basis of which the video card is built.

After this, you will need to indicate the version and bitness of the operating system you are using.

The final step is to expand the tab and select Catalyst Software Suite.

After the Catalyst installer is downloaded, we launch the installation.

The initial stage is the unpacking of the components necessary for the installer to work according to the path specified by the user.
After unpacking, the Catalyst Installation Manager welcome window will automatically launch, in which you can select the language of the installer interface, as well as the Control Center components that will be installed along with the drivers.

The CCC installation program “can” not only install the necessary components, but also remove them from the system. Therefore, a request for further operations appears. Press the button "Install",

which will bring up the following window.
To start automatic installation drivers graphics adapter and the Catalyst Control Center software package, set the installation type switch to the position "Fast" and press the button "Further".

If you are installing AMD drivers and software for the first time, you will need to create a folder into which the components will be copied. The directory will be created automatically after clicking the button "Yes" in the corresponding request window. In addition, you will need to accept the terms and conditions License Agreement by clicking the corresponding button.

Before starting the file copying procedure, the system will be analyzed for the presence of a graphics adapter and its parameters for installing the latest version of drivers.

The further process is fully automated,

you just need to wait for the installation to complete and click the button "Ready" in the final installer window.

The final stage is a system reboot, which will begin immediately after pressing the button "Yes" in the request window for the operation.

After the reboot, you can check whether the driver is present in the system by opening "Device Manager".

Driver Update

Software is developing at a fairly serious pace and AMD video card drivers are no exception. The manufacturer is constantly improving the software and therefore you should not neglect updates. In addition, Catalyst Control Center provides all the possibilities for this.

As you can see, despite the importance of drivers in the functioning of Advanced Micro Devices video cards, installing and updating them using Catalyst Control Center turns into a simple procedure, which usually does not cause difficulties even for novice users.

Any video card, even the most powerful and modern, requires a suitable driver or special utility For additional settings. Radeon graphics cards, discrete or integrated, perform much better and deliver higher frame rates when the AMD Catalyst Control Center (CCC), first released in 2007, is installed on the computer. This product is intended for fine tuning characteristics of graphic cards from the American brand Advanced Micro Devices.

The CCC utility, which has been included with drivers for more than 10 years Radeon video cards, may in the future replace the Software Crimson software package from the same manufacturer. However, today it still needs to be installed on a desktop PC or laptop with AMD graphics.

Every year, the functionality of the utility is improved, increasing the ability to properly allocate resources and the performance of graphics cards, which continue to successfully compete with Nvidia models.

Catalyst Control Center features include:

3D graphics optimization to improve image quality in most games;
integration with social networks, improving the performance of widgets and gaming applications built into these resources;
frame smoothing necessary for use in games;
Laptop power management to reduce power consumption mobile computers when operating on battery power;
setting the optimal level of contrast and picture detail is a function that is useful not only for games, but also when working with graphic editors and watching movies in high definition;
simultaneous configuration of several screens connected to the video card (computer displays or TVs);
update software for video adapters, in most cases automatic.

The advantages of using AMD CCC include low requirements for computer resources, a built-in game manager and the ability hardware acceleration video cards

Control Center works on both modern high-end PCs and legacy devices, allowing you to speed up graphics and add a few frames per second to your gameplay. Using the same utility, you can adjust the frame rate manually.

AMD Catalyst Control Center: Setup for Gaming

Playing using the CCC control center is more convenient and easier, and the process of setting up games takes no more than a few minutes. And the only problem typical for laptops with both integrated and discrete graphics installed occurs when there are no video card settings in the utility menu and there is no option to optimize the image.

The issue is resolved by switching from one graphics adapter to another - through the BIOS, using the Catalyst Control Center, or by selecting the appropriate GPU, which is offered to the laptop user when changing the power source.

When deciding on the video card settings for a game, you should decide whether changes need to be made. If the frame rate during gameplay is high enough and there are no graphical problems, it is recommended to leave the control center set to default. If you need to increase the fps level, you should do the following:

Open AMD Catalyst Control Center.
Select the game tab in the left column.
Click on the “Add” button located in the application settings section.
Find the executable file of the game in the list (has the extension .exe and is designated as “Application” in Windows) and click “OK”.

The utility automatically analyzes game settings and optimizes integrated or discrete graphics. Thanks to this, the video card not only works faster, but also wears out less during operation.

When manually adjusting graphics, the user has the opportunity to independently choose the maximum image quality, high game speed, or standard settings that involve a compromise between fps and resolution.

How to Launch AMD Catalyst Control Center

The control center requires special attention when starting up for the first time. Before opening the AMD Catalyst Control Center, the user selects a configuration mode:

basic, which sets the default video card parameters and allows you to further configure the resolution, quality and number of connected image output devices;
advanced, providing manual adjustment of most graphics characteristics.

If there is no need to change the video card parameters, it is recommended to select the normal mode. For an experienced user If you are planning to optimize the performance of games, you should give preference to the second option.

If a problem arises that AMD Catalyst Control Center does not open, just update the drivers by first removing the old ones.

How to Update AMD Catalyst Control Center

To update the control center, the user will need to do almost the same steps as when installing new drivers for any other computer component. Get new version Utilities along with control programs for the graphics adapter are available on the company’s official website.

Where to download AMD Catalyst Control Center

The only correct option when downloading the CCC control center is the official website of the video card manufacturer AMD. After switching to home page The computer owner must open the “Download AMD Drivers & Software” software tab.

After this, on the right half of the page you can see the manual selection menu AMD video cards and find the appropriate series and model. The last item “Select the supported operating system that you have” allows you to select one of the operating systems supported by the card:

for older video adapters this will be Windows XP and Unix platforms;
for video cards of later years of release - Windows 7 and 8;
for the latest desktop models - only Windows 10.

Having chosen the appropriate option, you should download this version and run the installation on your computer. It is not advisable to use third-party sites for downloading. The result may not only be the installation of outdated software, but also an increased risk of infection of the system with viruses.

How to Install AMD Catalyst Control Center

Installation of the control center is carried out in three ways:

Go to the manufacturer's official website and select the appropriate video card model. After downloading the installation file, it is installed on your computer.
By choosing to automatically detect the video adapter model on the same website.
Using utilities for automatic update Drivers Pack Solution type drivers.

AMD Catalyst does not start: what to do?

Problems encountered during installation and startup software package, are often associated with incorrectly selected system bit depth. Correct operation of the program is only possible if the version downloaded from the manufacturer’s resource matches the Windows bitmap. For example, for 32-bit Windows, an installation error for the AMD Catalyst package occurs when trying to install the control center for a 64-bit platform.

The utility does not start even if there are problems with version compatibility. Therefore, if you cannot start AMD Catalyst Control Center, you should remove the already installed software for the video adapter.

How to completely remove AMD Catalyst Control Center

One way to solve the problem with the control center starting is to completely remove AMD CCC from the computer. To do this, the user must do the following:

Open the control panel.
Select Programs and Features (or Add or Remove Programs for Windows XP).
Find the utility to be removed in the list that opens and select its removal.

When the program is completely removed from the computer, you should restart the system. Now the PC (or laptop) is ready to install the new version of the control center.

Best Setting for Gaming: Video

In contact with

To enable the computer user to configure how the image generated by the system and applications, video card developers provide drivers for their hardware special programs. In case of graphic cards AMD ATI corresponding software is called . However, despite the fact that the company makes significant efforts to ensure that the user does not experience problems with their software, glitches may still occur in its operation. So at one point the user, when trying to open CCC, may see the following message: “The AMD Catalyst Control Center cannot be started at the moment.” Let's figure out what to do in this case.

Reasons why AMD Catalyst Control Center may not start

There may be several reasons why AMD Catalyst Control Center is currently not starting. Most often, the corresponding problem is caused by outdated drivers. In this case, the conflict can be caused not only by the video card driver, but also by other equipment (for example, motherboard), since AMD by and large focuses on the latest hardware and software.

The second most common cause of problems starting AMD Catalyst Control Center in this moment- This blocking some program components by antivirus. Many anti-spyware programs do not work perfectly, and therefore they can quarantine files that are completely harmless, but important for the operation of the system.

The third reason is software incompatibility with operating system . Some users after Windows reinstallation They do not download the latest drivers, but install them, for example, from the CD that came with the video card. If the corresponding software was developed, for example, for Windows 7, and the user’s computer already has Windows 10, then there is a possibility that it will not work correctly on it.

And the last reason: corrupted files programs. Perhaps some of the components were accidentally deleted or the corresponding sector hard drive was damaged.

How to resolve Catalyst Control Center failure to start

To fix the message “AMD Catalyst Control Center cannot be launched at this time,” you should try to reinstall the driver by downloading its new version from the official AMD website. To do this you will need:

Go to the website SUPPORT.AMD.COM;
In the “Drivers and Support” section, select your operating system version;
Download the software by clicking on the “Download” button;
Start the installation process.

In most cases, there is no need to remove old drivers first. The installer will do this himself, replacing the old software with new software. However, if you still want to clear the system of relevant programs in advance, then do the following:

Go to the “SYSTEM_DISK:\Program Files\ATI\CIM\Bin” folder and open the “Setup.exe” file;
In the window that opens, select “Delete”;
Click “Next”, and then “Finish”;
Restart your computer;
After that, install new drivers.

If the appropriate steps do not help fix the error “AMD Catalyst Control Center cannot be started at this time,” then try updating the drivers for all devices. It would also be a good idea to look into your antivirus and see what files it has quarantined. If there are AMD CCC components there, you will need to remove them from there.