Solving DSTV Drifta "Cannot Initialize Display" and "service scrambled" Errors

The Drifta is a handy device for catching up with a number of DSTv channels on the go. The good thing with the mobile dongle is that you can offer it as a gift to someone, and link it to your DSTv account such that they don't have to pay subscription. Image quality may not be brilliant, but it isn't one can't stomach.

However, setting up the device, though simple, can be quite a task for many as I found out.

First, if you are call DSTv to connect your Drifta to a Premium or Plus bouquet, you may get "service scrambled" error, even when DSTv insist that they have activated the service for you. This can be solved by pressing the reset button (read the manual for how to) which is usually next to the charging port. You'll need a pen or something with a slim point and use it to press the depression, usually next to the charging port to reset the Drifta.

Resetting the Drifta may solve your "service scrambled" error (if subscribed), but may lead to a new error, "could not initialize display"

The "could not initialize" error is usually cause by the Drifta software not finding appropriate graphic display drivers for your system to use in displaying the image. Do note that your PC may display well, and have the right resolution since Windows does come with appropriate drivers to supplement lack of drivers from your card manufacturer.

You will need to download the drivers for your respective graphics card for the Drifta to work. You can Google drivers in the form Laptop "make model graphic drivers"such as "Compaq 610 graphic drivers". If possible, ensure you download the drivers form your manufacturer's site.

(This is a very technical bit which you can ignore if hard to understand) If your computer has 4 GB or more of RAM (Memory), you may be running a 64 bit OS, and you'll need to ensure you download 64 bit and not 32 bit graphic drivers. Again, just go to the Start menu and run dxdiag to learn about your version of Windows.

Once graphic drivers are installed, restart your computer and enjoy watching DSTv on your PC.

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Dennis Kioko

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