Last Active: Oct 26, 2024
Threads: 615
Posts: 7,941
Reputation:
86
Hey.
I need some advice of whether I should install drivers updaters like Drivers Pack on my computer.
You see, my computer is using Windows 7 and I wish to upgrade to Windows 8.1 or 10. Of course, it's this computer I'm talking about; the other one is fine with Linux Mint and I won't bother to replace that. On the Internet, I can't find official drivers (i.e. Intel). I've been searching frantically, with my patience all but gone.
What are your opinions and experiences on these things? What should I do?
Last Active: Oct 07, 2022
Threads: 5
Posts: 376
Reputation:
12
Jun 27, 2018, 02:40 am
(This post was last modified: Jun 27, 2018, 02:43 am by AncientRome. Edited 1 time in total.)
Windows is usually really good about keeping drivers updated (or to install them).
You can use driver updating software in case you're distrusting.
Last Active: Oct 26, 2024
Threads: 615
Posts: 7,941
Reputation:
86
Well, just found out that my hardware is outdated and will not have another driver update for Windows 8.1 or 10.
The Dell computer that came with the chipset was bought in 2006. Now it's 2018, twelve years apart. If I actually bought a paid driver updater like the one from Ashampoo, I would kick myself. It's not even advisable for Windows 7, but it did work. Now looks like I am out of luck.
If I do build a computer (which I am planning to do), I will put Linux Mint on this one as Linux Mint does recognise more hardware than Windows.
Thanks, AncientRome, but I think I got my answer.
Last Active: Dec 22, 2019
Threads: 33
Posts: 717
Reputation:
4
Why do you think you need a chipset driver in the first place?
Last Active: Mar 06, 2020
Threads: 4
Posts: 50
Reputation:
3
Driver updaters suck. Windows 10 will install missing drivers automatically as well, so don't use such crapware/straight-up malware.
Last Active: Jul 21, 2018
Threads: 3
Posts: 28
Reputation:
1
The IntelĀ® Driver & Support Assistant keeps your system up-to-date by providing tailored support and hassle-free updates.
Last Active: Oct 17, 2024
Threads: 226
Posts: 6,322
Reputation:
26
Rule one, don't change it if the upgraded operating system won't benefit. That of course needs testing, so have a way to roll back.
Some of my old hardware can't have updated drivers, that's that.
Two, Windows come with most reference drivers most people will need, but that is for the hardware at launch time; installing XP on a 2018 PC, or Ten on a 1998 one, will result in driver problems. Also those drivers aren't always the best for your hardware / software mix. Especially video drivers can be tricky.
About chipset drivers, my Intel C200 needs one in order to run USB properly; PC can run on a clean Windows 7 install, but USB won't work without their driver.
Last Active: Oct 26, 2024
Threads: 615
Posts: 7,941
Reputation:
86
(Jun 29, 2018, 15:26 pm)Kingfish Wrote: Why do you think you need a chipset driver in the first place? Because that's what facilitates the video which is embedded in the chipset.
(Jun 29, 2018, 16:54 pm)ihasdivui Wrote: Driver updaters suck. Windows 10 will install missing drivers automatically as well, so don't use such crapware/straight-up malware. I'll think about that the next time I attempt another installation though I am not forthcoming when attempting something that is online-based.
(Jun 30, 2018, 22:20 pm)0zz0 Wrote: The IntelĀ® Driver & Support Assistant keeps your system up-to-date by providing tailored support and hassle-free updates. Ditto with ihasdivui
(Jun 30, 2018, 23:59 pm)dueda Wrote: Rule one, don't change it if the upgraded operating system won't benefit. That of course needs testing, so have a way to roll back.
Some of my old hardware can't have updated drivers, that's that.
Two, Windows come with most reference drivers most people will need, but that is for the hardware at launch time; installing XP on a 2018 PC, or Ten on a 1998 one, will result in driver problems. Also those drivers aren't always the best for your hardware / software mix. Especially video drivers can be tricky.
About chipset drivers, my Intel C200 needs one in order to run USB properly; PC can run on a clean Windows 7 install, but USB won't work without their driver. Thank you, I think.
Last Active: Oct 07, 2022
Threads: 5
Posts: 376
Reputation:
12
You can make a complete image backup of your current drive and try to install windows 10 just to see if it works.
It'll be easy to revert back. I use Acronis True Image and it's pretty straight forward.
Last Active: Oct 26, 2024
Threads: 615
Posts: 7,941
Reputation:
86
I think it's all right.
I saw posts saying that my particular drivers were made in Windows XP era; it was not meant to go any higher than XP. Beholding its functionality in Windows 7 was fortunate happenstance.
I don't know why I asked these dumb questions. Guys, I apologise for wasting your time especially when that's not what I was planning.
All I needed to know originally was if I spin my coins and buy a drivers-updater, which is what I would do if I am off my rocker, would I get my money's worth. I can see that it won't.
There comes a time in life where you will have to accept harsh reality. This is one of them.
What that out of the way, maybe I will try installing any OSs over Windows 8. I'll let you know what happens.
|