Driver Updates: Trust Microsoft or "Driver Detective"?

I came across a program ("Driver Detective") the other day that looked good, so I decided to give it a try. Seems (according to DD) that I was missing updates on, I believe, eight (8) devices. Hunted `em all down via the individual websites, and was able to get five to "take", so now I'm down to three - right? A few days later, I get the bright idea that maybe I can find the "missing" updates for the remaining three devices via Device Manager, in Windows. Though I still was not able to get those three, I found that I could get others, when I clicked "Update Driver" on some of the other devices. I went through the entire list ... checked each and every app.

Now, after all that, when I run DD again, it reports that I again have "7" out of date drivers (four more than the last time I used that program to check - and since I, supposedly, updated ALL (possible) drivers though Device Manager. I did not select the "Roll Back" button, but that's what this program seems to be telling me.

QUESTION: Could it be that the visits/updates from the manufacturers is more current than whatever/wherever Microsoft 'searches online'?

Thanks.

 

Thank you for the reply. It's a Dell, and I always dread going to their site - for whatever reason - I seem to have trouble getting around (finding exactly what I need, and taking a great deal of time to do it) on that site.

I'll try again though based on your recommendation.

Thanks again.

PS I think the problem is *me* - I think the technical aspects of their site is just over my head - for instance, "Diver Detective" is telling me: "System Devices>Intel(R) 82801 PCI Bridge - 244E" is "Out of Date". Ok, soooo, first I have no clue if I "need" it or not, secondly, I don't see anything on the Dell Driver/Downloads page that pertains to it (and the search function there was NO HELP). I have six other drivers "out of date" (4 of them "USB Controllers"), according to "DD". Hence, I'm lost ...

 

Stay away from Driver Defective... oops, I mean Detective LOL It's closer to malware than a driver update tool, and they charge for it. Microsoft isn't great either, but it is probably better than paying for malware. The above recommendation is solid; just visit you hardware maker's web site(s) on a regular basis -once a month should be OK- and download any new drivers from them....

 

Thank you - but you said "any" new drivers (I mean, I do at least understand that it would have to be for this Dell 4500S w/XP Home Edition) - but "any" for this specific PC?? Ya gotta remember here, you're talking to "grc123" - my motto is: "simple is better"!

 

Thank you very much - and that's very kind of you. The PC in question is my folks: Dimension 4500S ("S"=slim). Would it be trouble to include my PC as well (?) Inspiron 531. Were there other numbers, etc. that you would need? And to keep Java "patched", would I go to Sun Microsystems?

Thanks again.

 

Thank you! Can you tell me under what "heading" I would find the Sun/Java Updates at Majorgeeks?

 

Mucho Grasias!

 

I hope this is not considered a "bump", but I just came across some (valuable?) info. on the web about drivers on the Vista OS (which I *DO* have on this Inspiron), and problems with 'signing/signatures'. It appears to me from this article that I ("we, with Vista"), must be very careful with updating drivers, lest function may cease.

I am (believe it or not) still a bit confused as to whether I should go (in the future, as/when I add new hardware/programs/graphic cards/etc.) to Dell ONLY (?), or to Microsoft for driver updates - when/if needed?

Can anyone speak to this?

Thanks.

 

http://www.velocityreviews.com/foru...option-of-turning-onoff-driver-signature.html

This is all I "know" ... what I read. Thanks.

 

Uuuuuuhhhhhhhh - ha - ya got me?????? I "BELIEVE", that this machine is "x64" "capable"??? Sorry, that particular (processor?) stuff I am still trying to learn.

This machine is a: "Dell Inspiron 531, Athlon 64 X2 4000+ (2.10GHz, 512Kx2)".


Oh, wait a minute, looking at your reply again, you are referring to the OS - correct? Mine is Vista Home Basic - I think that is "x32'??? Or am I getting (yet again, and even further!) off-track (cOnFuSeD & CoNfOuNdEd) here?

 

Got it "Halo", thanks. And plodr, *yes", i understood the 1st time - locked it into my li'l cRaNiUm, and tucked it away for future (potential) utilization - thanks.

Halo, nice WEI there of "5.5". Although I was able to raise my Graphics score from "2.8", to "3.2" (somehow, not exactly sure how i pulled that off, at the moment?), my Gaming Graphics (which i don't think i much use??) remained at "3.0", keeping my WEI score down. i "think" my other (individual scores) are "fairly" solid though (?):

Processor: ------------ 4.8
Memory (RAM): ------ 4.5 (plan on getting another Gig as soon as budget allows - BTW, would that MAX me out on RAM, and perhaps bring me to 6.0 on that indivdual score?)
Primary Hard Disk: -- 5.9

Thank you all again!

 

Much thanks again!