Free driver update software?

[roccenstein]

I know Windows 7 will update drivers automatically, but I'm running XP on an older lap top and am having some issues locating drivers.  Are there any good, FREE programs out there to assist with this?  I've tried a few I've found, and they usually find whichever driver you need (supposedly), but then they won't allow you to actually update it unless you purchase the full version of the program (booooo!).

[Allan]

Let's start at the top, shall we?

First, Windows 7 does NOT update drivers automatically. And while you can use Microsoft Update to update drivers, I recommend against doing so. Drivers should only be updated if and when there is a specific need or reason to do so.

Second, you should never use any 3rd party software to update drivers.

Third, laptop drivers should always and ONLY be obtained from the website of the laptop manufacturer. If you feel you need to update any of your drivers, that's where you need to go.

[roccenstein]

OK, so maybe what I meant was that W7 made it a lot easier to locate drivers through the device manager than XP does, but maybe that's just my opinion.

I've tried going to the Mfr's website, but the problem is that in the device mgr there is something listed that I cannot identify, so I don't know what driver to look for.  The name of the device is labeled as 'unknown device'.  How can I figure out what that is?

[Allan]

Device manager is essentially the same through all Windows version. W7 is not different from XP or Vista.

1) Under what heading in device manager is this unknown device listed?

2) Are you having any problems with the system (are any devices not working properly)?

3) Are there any external devices connected to the computer?

4) If you like, you can right-click on the device in device manager and uninstall it. If it's needed, Windows will reinstall it on the next boot.

[roccenstein]

I just checked and there are actually two items listed.  They are both listed under 'Other devices', one is the aforementioned 'unknown device' and the other is 'PCI device'.  This is a fresh install on a reformatted HD so I'm just trying to get everything up to date, and there are no external devices connected.

[Allan]

Go to the website of the laptop manufacturer and download and install the chipset driver for your system.

[patio]

I never ever figured out why people seem to need a Driver Update program...

That's just me i guess.

[roccenstein]

In this case I was only looking for a driver update program because I couldn't figure out what the two drivers I needed were.  Turns out the unknown one was for 'HP Quick Launch buttons' (on a Compaq laptop?) and the other was the conexant modem driver.  It just turned out to be trial and error as I downloaded every driver listed on the Mfr website.

[Allan]

Well, glad you're back in business. Thanks for the update.