HD 3000 driver forced subpixel antialising after update to 9.x version

Suppose that Lenovo will not solve it and the generic driver does not work (on screen display and other features), what else to check ? Is there any detailed list of changes made to the driver between these two versions ? The issue goes beyond Windows software antialiasing (ClearType) that can be easily detected and explained by making a screenshot (PrintScreen) and zoom it (paste and zoom in MS Paint). It is rather close to a hardware based sharpness control used in some desktop monitors.

In other words, is there any antialiasing technology added to the Intel kernel driver 9.x version that might cause such behavior (no 3D applications) and it is independent of Windows ClearType ?

Can I enable any diagnostic debug log to help resolve it ?

I've tested latest generic Intel graphics driver 15.28.15.64.3062 (9.17.10.3062) and the issue is exactly the same. The interesting part is that it seems to be more like a hardware setting of the internal display controller since it affects displaying text on PNG images (screenshots) as well but does not affect digital output to external monitor. It reminds me sharpness hardware setting available on some LCD monitors that allows to make whole display look blurry. Someone calls that "enhanced readability" but for me such feature is killing Again, please do not confuse it with ClearType, it makes blurry font rendering only but this issue affects everyting that is displayed. Aero is disabled.

Note that using the Intel generic driver causes Lenovo brightness control and on screen display to fail but this is as expected, that's why there is the Lenovo OEM specific driver.

I also exported content of registry HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Intel\Display for both 8.x and 9.x driver versions to compare them. The only interesting difference I found is:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Intel\Display\igfxcui\Media]

"EnableFMD"=dword:00000001

The value is '00000000' for the 8.x one (that one without the issue) and 00000001 for 9.x one (the one having the issue).

I have installed all Windows updates except KB2670838 that is known to have stability issues.

No, external monitor (connected via DisplayPort) does not have the issue.

The DXDiag report for non-affected 8.x driver

 
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/18/2013, 20:46:40
       Machine name: X220
   Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130318-1533)
           Language: Czech (Regional Setting: Czech)
System Manufacturer: LENOVO
       System Model: 428759G
               BIOS: Default System BIOS
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2540M CPU @ 2.60GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.6GHz
             Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3980MB RAM
          Page File: 1125MB used, 6830MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
 
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.
 
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)
 
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
          Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
       Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
          Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
           DAC type: Internal
         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0126&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_09
     Display Memory: 1696 MB
   Dedicated Memory: 64 MB
      Shared Memory: 1632 MB
       Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
       Monitor Name: Wide viewing angle & High density FlexView Display 1366x768
      Monitor Model: unknown
         Monitor Id: LEN40E2
        Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (59.850Hz)
        Output Type: Internal
        Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumdx32,igd10umd32,igd10umd32
Driver File Version: 8.15.0010.2769 (English)
     Driver Version: 8.15.10.2769
        DDI Version: 10.1
       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
  Driver Attributes: Final Retail
   Driver Date/Size: 6/11/2012 14:37:06, 8314368 bytes
        WHQL Logo'd: Yes
    WHQL Date Stamp:
  Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-4266-11CF-CB7E-D001A9C2C535}
          Vendor ID: 0x8086
          Device ID: 0x0126
          SubSys ID: 0x21DA17AA
        Revision ID: 0x0009
Driver Strong Name: oem18.inf:IntelGfx.NTamd64.6.0:iSNBM0:8.15.10.2769:pci\ven_8086&dev_0126&subsys_21da17aa
     Rank Of Driver: 00E60001
        Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeWMV9_C ModeVC1_C
   Deinterlace Caps: {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
                     {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
       D3D9 Overlay: Supported
            DXVA-HD: Supported
       DDraw Status: Enabled
         D3D Status: Enabled
         AGP Status: Enabled
 
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: Speakers (Conexant 20672 SmartAudio HD)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_506E&SUBSYS_17AA21DA&REV_1000
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: CHDRT64.sys
         Driver Version: 8.32.0023.0002 (Czech)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 10/3/2011 15:46:40, 1577088 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Conexant
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
 
---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: Internal Microphone (Conexant 20672 SmartAudio HD)
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: CHDRT64.sys
         Driver Version: 8.32.0023.0002 (Czech)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 10/3/2011 15:46:40, 1577088 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF
 
-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
      Device Name: Mouse
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a
 
      Device Name: Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a
 
Poll w/ Interrupt: No
 
-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x1C2D
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub20
| Service: usbhub
|
+-+ Generic USB Hub
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x8087, 0x0024
| | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0001
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | Service: usbhub
| |
| +-+ Generic USB Hub
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x0424, 0x2514
| | | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0003
| | | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | | Service: usbhub
 
----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
 
------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
|
+ ThinkPad UltraNav Pointing Device
| Matching Device ID: *len0020
| Upper Filters: SynTP
| Service: i8042prt
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
 
------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
      Drive: C:
Free Space: 172.3 GB
Total Space: 287.7 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: ST320LT007-9ZV142
 
      Drive: Q:
Free Space: 4.8 GB
Total Space: 16.0 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: ST320LT007-9ZV142
 
      Drive: D:
      Model: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GU40N
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (Czech), , 0 bytes
 
--------------
System Devices
--------------
     Name: Synaptics SMBus Driver
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C22&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&FB
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) processor family DRAM Controller - 0104
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0104&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_09\3&42FFD25&0&00
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C20&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&D8
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6205
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0085&SUBSYS_13118086&REV_34\4&30EAFC56&0&00E1
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 5 - 1C18
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C18&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_B4\3&42FFD25&0&E4
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 4 - 1C16
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C16&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_B4\3&42FFD25&0&E3
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) QM67 Express Chipset Family LPC Interface Controller - 1C4F
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C4F&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&F8
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 2 - 1C12
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C12&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_B4\3&42FFD25&0&E1
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 1 - 1C10
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C10&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_B4\3&42FFD25&0&E0
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) Management Engine Interface
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C3A&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&B0
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) Mobile Express Chipset SATA AHCI Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C03&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&FA
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1C2D
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C2D&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&D0
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1502&SUBSYS_21CE17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&C8
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1C26
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C26&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_04\3&42FFD25&0&E8
   Driver: n/a
 
     Name: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0126&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_09\3&42FFD25&0&10
   Driver: n/a
 
------------------
DirectShow Filters
------------------
 
DirectShow Filters:
WMAudio Decoder DMO,0x00800800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMAPro over S/PDIF DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMSpeech Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
MP3 Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,mp3dmod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
Mpeg4s Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp4sdecd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMV Screen decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsdecd.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WMVideo Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,wmvdecod.dll,6.01.7601.17514
Mpeg43 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp43decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
Mpeg4 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mpg4decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Muxer,0x00400000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Color Space Converter,0x00400001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
WM ASF Reader,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmpsrcwp.dll,12.00.7601.17514
AVI Splitter,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VGA 16 Color Ditherer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
SBE2MediaTypeProfile,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder,0x005fffff,2,4,msmpeg2vdec.dll,6.01.7140.0000
AC3 Parser Filter,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
StreamBufferSink,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
MJPEG Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG-I Stream Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
SAMI (CC) Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Splitter,0x005fffff,1,0,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
Closed Captions Analysis Filter,0x00200000,2,5,cca.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SBE2FileScan,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
Internal Script Command Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG Audio Decoder,0x03680001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
DV Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Video Mixing Renderer 9,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft MPEG-2 Encoder,0x00200000,2,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
ACM Wrapper,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Video Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG-2 Video Stream Analyzer,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Line 21 Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835
Video Port Manager,0x00600000,2,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Video Renderer,0x00400000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VPS Decoder,0x00200000,0,0,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
WM ASF Writer,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
VBI Surface Allocator,0x00600000,1,1,vbisurf.ax,6.01.7601.17514
File writer,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Sink,0x00600000,1,0,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Capture filter,0x00600000,1,1,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
WAV Dest,0x00000000,0,0,,
DVD Navigator,0x00200000,0,3,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835
Overlay Mixer2,0x00200000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835
AVI Draw,0x00600064,9,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
RDP DShow Redirection Filter,0xffffffff,1,0,DShowRdpFilter.dll,
Microsoft MPEG-2 Audio Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WST Pager,0x00200000,1,1,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Demultiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
DV Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SampleGrabber,0x00200000,1,1,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Null Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x005fffff,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft AC3 Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msac3enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
StreamBufferSource,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Smart Tee,0x00200000,1,2,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Overlay Mixer,0x00200000,0,0,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835
AVI Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
AVI/WAV File Source,0x00400000,0,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Wave Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MIDI Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Multi-file Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File stream renderer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder,0x005fffff,1,1,msmpeg2adec.dll,6.01.7140.0000
StreamBufferSink2,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
AVI Mux,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Line 21 Decoder 2,0x00600002,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File Source (Async.),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File Source (URL),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Infinite Pin Tee Filter,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Enhanced Video Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,evr.dll,6.01.7601.17514
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00200000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG Video Decoder,0x40000001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
 
WDM Streaming Tee/Splitter Devices:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
 
Video Compressors:
WMVideo8 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvxencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMVideo9 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvencod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
MSScreen 9 encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Video Encoder,0x00200000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
MJPEG Compressor,0x00200000,0,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Cinepak Codec by Radius,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Intel IYUV codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Intel IYUV codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft RLE,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft Video 1,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
 
Audio Compressors:
WM Speech Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
WMAudio Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
IMA ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
PCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
GSM 6.10,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
CCITT A-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
CCITT u-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG Layer-3,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
 
Audio Capture Sources:
Internal Microphone (Conexant 2,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
 
PBDA CP Filters:
PBDA DTFilter,0x00600000,1,1,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA ETFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
 
Midi Renderers:
Default MidiOut Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
 
WDM Streaming Capture Devices:
Conexant HD Audio capture,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Integrated Camera,0x00200000,0,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
 
WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Conexant HD Audio output,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
 
BDA Network Providers:
Microsoft ATSC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBS Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBT Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
 
Video Capture Sources:
Integrated Camera,0x00200000,0,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
 
Multi-Instance Capable VBI Codecs:
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514
 
BDA Transport Information Renderers:
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00600000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x00600000,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514
 
BDA CP/CA Filters:
Decrypt/Tag,0x00600000,1,1,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
Encrypt/Tag,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
XDS Codec,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
 
WDM Streaming Communication Transforms:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
 
Audio Renderers:
Speakers (Conexant 20672 SmartA,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Default DirectSound Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Default WaveOut Device,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
DirectSound: Speakers (Conexant 20672 SmartAudio HD),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
 
---------------
EVR Power Information
---------------
Current Setting: {5C67A112-A4C9-483F-B4A7-1D473BECAFDC} (Quality)
  Quality Flags: 2576
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow half deinterlace
    Allow scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 100
  Balanced Flags: 1424
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow batching
    Force half deinterlace
    Force scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 50
  PowerFlags: 1424
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow batching
    Force half deinterlace
    Force scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 0
 

And for affected 9x. driver, it is similar except this part:

---------------

Display Devices

---------------

          Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 3000

       Manufacturer: Intel Corporation

          Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family

           DAC type: Internal

         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0126&SUBSYS_21DA17AA&REV_09

     Display Memory: 1696 MB

   Dedicated Memory: 64 MB

      Shared Memory: 1632 MB

       Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)

       Monitor Name: Wide viewing angle & High density FlexView Display 1366x768

      Monitor Model: unknown

         Monitor Id: LEN40E2

        Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (59.850Hz)

        Output Type: Internal

        Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumd32,igd10umd32,igd10umd32

Driver File Version: 9.17.0010.2843 (English)

     Driver Version: 9.17.10.2843

        DDI Version: 10.1

       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1

  Driver Attributes: Final Retail

   Driver Date/Size: 8/24/2012 18:53:42, 12601856 bytes

        WHQL Logo'd: Yes

    WHQL Date Stamp:

  Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-4266-11CF-017F-D001B7C2C435}

          Vendor ID: 0x8086

          Device ID: 0x0126

          SubSys ID: 0x21DA17AA

        Revision ID: 0x0009

Driver Strong Name: oem50.inf:Intel.Mfg.NTamd64:iSNBM0:9.17.10.2843:pci\ven_8086&dev_0126&subsys_21da17aa

     Rank Of Driver: 00E00001

There is differece in Rank Of Driver value.

The driver-caused aliasing issue is not limited to Windows text rendering only but affects everything that is displayed on the notebook display. I'll describe the test steps again:

1. The Lenovo 8.15.0010.2769 driver is installed.

2. Store following screenshot image (taken from Start menu) BlurryDisplayTestImage.png to a folder

3. Open the BlurryDisplayTestImage.png in MS Paint or any other graphic viewer without resizing it. It contains non-anti-aliased black text on grey background.

4. Notice the text on notebook display is sharp and non-anti-aliased. Take a macro picture of the display by camera.

5. Install Lenovo 9.17.0010.2843 driver or latest generic Intel Graphics driver and restart.

6. Repeat step 3.

7. Notice the text on notebook display is not sharp and anti-aliased. Take a macro picture of the display by camera and compare it with picture taken in step 4. You will notice a (hardware based ?, kernel driver based ?) subpixel anti-aliasing applied to the image, as shown on my picture in first post.

I use the test screeshot image in step 2 to prevent any potential issues with Windows ClearType (that I have disabled) but the issue is same for text rendered by Windows (it becomes anti-aliased even with ClearType disabled). So it looks like a more low-level issue because external display output is not affected, its output is exactly the same in steps 4 and 7.

Is there anything else I can provide ? I think the steps and sample picture should be enough to understand the issue.

Additional question, when exactly the new driver version actually becomes effective (loaded) ? Is it right after the installation of new version has finished (before restart) or after restart ? Because the issue with antialiasing happens in the middle of installation of the new driver, even before restart. So it could be just a wrong setting that applies to the old version as well (in case the new version is applied after restart).

That's interesting because the issue happens in the middle of new driver installation. That would support the idea it is just a global driver setting made by the new version driver installation that also affects the old one (until reboot). In other words it is not caused by the new driver code in DLL or SYS files itself but its setting (in the registry) made by new version installation. The scenario can be as follows:

1. old driver 8.x is installed with its default settings -> no issue

2. driver 9.x setup is started -> no issue

3. driver 9.x setup completes, some settings (in the registry ?) has been modified by the 9.x setup but the old 8.x driver is still used -> the anti-aliasing issue is present since that, even with current 8.x driver (assuming the 9.x version becomes effective later, after restart)

4. restart

5. driver 9.x instalattion completes -> anti-aliasing issue is present with 9.x driver

I would like to find the registry setting that causes it.

As for screenshots. There is no difference between "text" and "graphics", consider Windows desktop as a bitmap that have pixels with colors. Another example: I can open MS Paint fullscreen, fill background with gray color, draw single vertical black line and take a screenshot (and post it here). The line will look anti-aliased on the internal notebook display with 9.x driver version and non-anti-aliased with 8.x driver version. Again, the png file screenshot will be pixel-by-pixel exactly the same for 8.x and 9.x driver version. The anti-aliasing is not made on that level.

It is exactly same as "l" letter in the "Calculator" word in my small screenshot. It is just black line on gray background that shows the added anti-aliasing by red subpixel on the right edge. The screenshot is attached, contains both pictures and text.

Updating BIOS to latest 1.38 version (and installing the driver after that) did not help. But I found that my assumption that the new driver is used after restart was wrong. It is loaded during the installation so when the installer finish (before restart), the new driver is already loaded and used. And yes, the issue persists after restart as well.

I saved content of [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Intel] and [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet] registry and IntelGFX.log file for both driver versions. There are differences in some HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E968-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0000 values.

Since the issue is clear now, can you tell what feature of new 9.x driver can cause that ? Could it be something with Color Management, ICC profiles, software brightness/contrast color distortion algorithm (note that external monitor is not affected) ? I have latest Lenovo monitor INF file version 4.38 installed. It would support following comparison of the screenshot area. Notice that the solid background color looks different for 9.x and 8.x driver version:

Thanks.

There is another customer experiencing similar issue on Lenovo T420 notebook. He has another experience that might help to resolve the issue: "The only this that has helped so far was running on low battery when all the sudden and by itself the font display became all good for until I plugged the power source back in." ... "We couldn't find any difference between the settings on my laptop compared to a colleague's exact same alike that displays all just perfect."