Update drivers

[DebbieG]

I'm getting ready to finally do the Windows XP restore that several of you
gave me advise on. I was told to update drivers before installing my SP2
disk.

I've read not to go to Device Manager to upgrade drivers automatically from
there ... to go to the manufacturer's website.

Do I need to go to the manufacturer's website of every device in the Device
Manager?

I ran Belarc and printed the results before my crash. Will the information
on this list help me find the manufacturer and determine what I'm looking
for on their website?

I've upgraded a few drivers in the past by going to manufacturer's websites
but sometimes it was so confusing finding the correct driver and wondered if
there was a trick in taking the confusion out of this process.

I just want this whole process to go as smoothly as possible so I don't have
to bother you once I get into it.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Debbie

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

The best place for updated drivers is the manufacturer's web site. Belarc
is fairly comprehensive and would have given you a correct list to follow.
Most manufacturer's web sites seem to have downloading updated drivers
featured prominently.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'm getting ready to finally do the Windows XP restore that several of you
gave me advise on. I was told to update drivers before installing my SP2
disk.

I've read not to go to Device Manager to upgrade drivers automatically from
there ... to go to the manufacturer's website.

Do I need to go to the manufacturer's website of every device in the Device
Manager?

I would get the downloads of any needed drivers *before* doing the
repair, and have them to hand ready for use. The only ones I would want
to be sure of are the latest ones for the video card, and any associated
with the motherboard (like VIA 4-in-1 ones). And I would then do things
in the order
repair
Install those drivers
Run the SP2 upgrade from its CD.

And only *then* connect to the net at all, to get any other driver
update that might be desirable