After Windows Reinstall, Order In Which To Reinstall Everything

I was having some computer problems so I just reinstalled Windows 10.

In what order should I reinstall everything?

 

First make sure your primary security - firewall and antivirus - are set up right and running, and then install and configure your favourite browser. If there are third party utilities you use a lot, do them next. After that the order is not usually important.

 

The first things you should re-install are Device Drivers from the computer manufacturer starting with the chipset driver. The manufacturer may also suggest a certain order for other device drivers and some software.

Then you can do as Earthling suggests.

 

Thank you for the quick reply.
Ok, so I will focus on the drivers needed for the internal components of the computer, that came with the computer, first. So, is that basically the onboard sound and video? My computer is not anything fancy; more of a budget computer with an SSD installed as an upgrade. Previously, I had a program on my computer from HP, and that program would do a check for certain updates. In the past, that program didn't seem to do too much beyond making "noise." But, I suppose it has some value. I think it was called something like HP support assistant. Should I try to reinstall that?

Are there such thing as drivers for hard drive, RAM, DVD drive? And by the way, the hard drive that I installed is an SSD drive and it did not come with the computer. When should I install the drivers for my scanner and printer?

At what point should I try to uninstall the bloatware that comes with Windows 10? In the past, someone suggested that I disable Microsoft One Drive as much as possible, given that I use Google Drive. I will have to Google for some information about which of the bloatware programs you can uninstall.

 

I found the web page with the drivers for my computer. I am comparing them to the drivers that are installed. There are discrepancies.
http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers...0-300-Desktop-PC-series/6879020/model/7127002
This link seems to cover multiple similar models from HP. My computer model number is HP 500-336

Should I be relying on device manager, the published specs for the model that I have per my purchase receipt, or use a program that determines what hardware I have?

1) Audio driver: According to device manager, I have "IDT High Definition Audio Codex." According to the specs of my computer model, I have IDT 92HD65C. I see on the HP website that one of the choices is Tempo High Definition Audio Driver (Original IDT). I assume that's the right one to use? I also see Realtek HD Audio Driver.

2) Device manager shows "generic multicard USB device." According to the specs on my computer, I have 7 in 1 multimedia card reader. Closest thing to that on HP website seems to be "Realtek USB Card Reader Driver." There is also "Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver for Haswell (AHCI)," which maybe pertains to a non-raid hard drive, as I see the other choices are Raid.

3) SSD Drive - guess I will search Sandisk's website since it didn't come with computer

4) For graphics drivers, device manager shows Intel HD Graphics 4400. Computer specs show HD Graphics 4400 & HD Graphics 4600. 4400 is probably right. So, that must be "Intel Graphics Driver for Haswell" on HP website.

5) Doesn't seem to be anything on HP site for DVD drive

6) For firmware, I don't see anything on HP website. But, could easily be missing it as I don't even know what firmware is.

7) Do I need anything for USB input device, Sata controller, monitor? My Asus monitor shows as generic PnP monitor.

8) For network adapters, device manager shows Qualcomm Atheros. I see that on the HP website, so I'll get that one.

9) On the HP page, there are 2 downloads under "Driver-chipset:" "Intel Chipset Support for Windows" and "Intel Management Engine Interface Driver." Should I install both of them? Are these for the processor? Device manager shows Intel i3-4130.

10) there is diagnostic software "HP PC Hardware diagnostics UEFI." I guess it can't hurt to get that? Maybe update UEFI?

11) I assume express cache is not needed as that seems to have something to do with getting better performance out of HDD.

 

If you enter the Serial number of your PC at the HP Support site, you should come up with a list of Device drivers for your specific computer.

SanDisk, like Samsung, may have a firmware updater like Samsung Magician. I have Samsung SSDs in both of my laptops. But, if there are no issues with your SanDisk SSD, I wouldn't bother with it (the firmware update).

 

Are you sure? I can't find it.
I do see the page where you look up by model number - http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

I do also see that I can download the HP support assistant. So, that's another option.

 

Is there an option to use something like Dell's System Detect where the application analyzes your computer and then produces a list of drivers and software for that particular computer? Your model could come configured several ways.

Dells come with a Service Tag number that when entered at the Dell Support site produces such a list also.

 

No, it doesn't seem so. It seems to just let you plug in a model number & then it brings up a bunch of drivers. Some I know are probably not applicable (for example, I noticed some were labeled "raid."

I will post on their forums. But, I didn't have much luck on their forums in the past (didn't really get much of a response).

 

If you are taking time on-line looking for device drivers, you will be open for viral attacks- I would have the firewall, and antivirus running, personally - go back to HP and download their tool to check is easiest
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/...n/us/pps/hpsa/contactpagetile/KV#.WFmEmoXXKM-

 

Windows defender and windows firewall seem to be running by default.

I also have Eset Nod, which I could install. But, on my last Windows installation it was probably causing some issues-- when I got rid of it, seemed to clear up some problems. Then again, I may not have had Windows defender properly disabled before installing Eset Nod.

Wouldn't I be pretty safe in the driver downloads by just ensuring that I am on the HP webpage or the hardware manufacturer's webpage (although I'd imagine there still are some risks)?

 

In today's web, with Windows 10 it is much safer, but, users choice, really. I tend to do it with a separate antivirus installed, myself.
As you say, installing ESET NOD, may have caused problems, alongside Windows defender- You need to be sure that you check for the option to over ride windows defender, if necessary - my understanding is that Windows defender will turn off when you install a different antivirus program - mine has, without my intervention.
If you use the HP tool, it will scan, and offer any missing drivers, usually - Some drivers are integral wit other drivers- the chipset drivers will instal much of what you need.

 

There are definitely people on both side of the fence. Some people think that anti virus software causes more problems that it solves. Others think some antivirus softwares are worth it. Probably the answer lies somewhere in the middle-- perhaps it's good for some user knowledge levels & browsing patterns and bad for others.

Thanks for your suggestion. I have been unsure of what order to install the drivers and a little bit concerned about installing the wrong ones. I am sceptical of the device manager providing accurate information (perhaps an incorrect driver is already installed & so Windows identifies the device incorrectly) I'll try downloading the HP tool and see where that takes me.

 

Ooop, thought I was on the right track.
I downloaded HP support solutions framework. I then installed it. During the installation, it asked me if I would like to install HP support assistant & I said no. The HP support solutions framework, didn't seem to do anything after it was installed. So, I rebooted to see if that would do anything. When the computer was in the process of shutting down, it did some kind of updates.

I can't even find where the HP support solutions framework installed itself. But, I do see it listed in the "Apps and features."

What should I do now?

 

Ok, I found the program.
It's in program files x86 folder
There is no executable file in there, though. There is an application but when I click on that it brings up a dos window and then gives some error message that it can't be run.

I have to say that I am not very happy with HP. Someone else was telling me that with Dell you enter your service tag and their web page brings up all of the drivers for the hardware on your computer.

 

That was me. It's indeed unfortunate that HP doesn't have something like that.

I guess I won't be buying an HP computer. I install/uninstall/reinstall OSes on my computers quite frequently and I need the specific device drivers for my computers.

 

Oh yea, it was you
It's too bad that HP is a little stingy with help. I can understand them wanting to make some money but they take it a little too far. For example, every time that I call them about my printer, they try to sell me on the ink plan. I can understand them bringing it up but they want to go into a mandatory several sentence discussion about it.
I am sure others have a different perspective. Just one person's experience..

 

Even though I have Dell computers, I went to the HP Support site here:

http://h20566.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc?ac.admitted=1482315541346.1123376534.199480143

In the upper left, there is a place to enter the Serial Number of your computer:


This should get you the drivers for your specific computer.

 

Graphics driver is probably the first one I would install. Then chipset, (Sorry about Time difference -I am in UK)
With HP, you may find you need to download it again, and run it before restarting- If it still does not work, I would download the support assistant- you can always uninstall that afterwards, if you no longer need it. Sometimes what appears to be crap software can be helpful)
One other thing- sometimes a tool will not work until updates from Windows are installed (things like C+ , and net framework updates)
If I remember correctly, when the tool installs it then scans your system, and gives you the opportunity to see what is offered, and that is why you may need the other tool, as well.
Mechanic's post might give you more options- Just came up as I posted mine.

 

good catch. I didn't notice the spot to enter the serial number before. I entered serial number but it still brings up a generic list, probably for all of the customizations of the model.


tried to install the graphics drivers but I get prompted that it's not the right one.

 

I got the tool working. It just suddenly started appearing in my search for the program. So, like you pointed out, it may have just needed another Windows update in order to start being able to work.

That tool helped me install a couple of drivers. Realtek USB Card reader 5145 and Intel Rapid Storage Technology. Although now after some windows updates I am seeing that it wants to install those again. So, Windows probably undid what it did.

Based on some general reading (I think it was even on the HP website), users should probably just let Windows 10 take care of drivers through Windows updates. Maybe that's a newer sort of thing, given how comprehensive Windows is now.

 

Windows 10 is very good for drivers, once you are updated a little , so unless you need others it is fairly safe to let Windows update them for you.
I often find that once the chipset drivers are installed, it fixes others that come up with an exclamation mark in a Device Manager.

 

Ok, great. I just installed one of the two chipset drivers that were on that HP web page. for the other chip set driver, it said that I already have a more recent version of that installed.

 

You are getting there, now.
Restart after installing chipset driver, and again after installing graphics drivers - don't install too many drivers between restarts- On restart those drivers will consolidate, and once finished with drivers, choose any software that you want to install carefully- then you will not have a bloated setup, just like you want it.

 

My Thinkpad Edge E335 is not supported by Lenovo for Win 10 so during and ever since the upgrade from 7 to 10 I have had to rely on Windows for drivers. Haven't had a single driver issue.

 

I find it irresponsible of HP to not have the specific drivers for your specific computer though. Your model could have several configurations with different CPUs/APUs, graphics (on board or dedicated), etc., etc. and unless you know exactly what's in your computer, how can you know which drivers to download and install. Case in point is your graphics driver which turned out to be the wrong one.

 

Yes, they should at least post information needed for users to continue using their machines. It's not like we are talking a 10 year old computer here. My computer model was released in 2014 or early 2015, so it's not old at all.

Also, I have never seen anyone but volunteers post in the HP support forum. HP should consider having the forum minimally staffed.

One of my general frustrations with computers is that it seems tough to identify the specific source of an issue. For example, ok, my video hardware seems to be acting funny. So it all started here where basically satrow of this forum hypothesized that the issue had to do with having too much software interacting with the web/servers. Removing Eset nod probably gave the most help, given that I probably had 2 virus softwares running. Also, part of that fix was going down to just one file sharing/ cloud program in the tray (things like one drive, drop box, google drive). That fix did seem to help to an extent.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/index.php?threads/driver_power_state_failure.306545/#post-1962902

Since it didn't fix completely, I also removed malwarebytes full version & then disabled crypto prevent. Those steps did not show obvious improvements.

Then I modified something in a path in Google Chrome. That showed noticeable improvement.

But, was still having graphics seemingly related issues/ things freezing up for few seconds/ hard drive "communication" acting a little funny (1- an SD card that someone lent me, Windows was often wanting to scan and repair it; 2- other stuff, too, can't remember exactly, but one time I was trying to delete a couple of files out of a folder on my desktop & windows just had to keep searching for the file, went on for several minutes and I eventually cancelled).

After the re-install, before having any programs installed on my computer, web browsing on Edge was already noticeably laggy. Definitely should not be seeing performance issues there, given only about 5 Edge browser windows opened. Also, when opening a second Jpeg after waiting 2 seconds after opening a first jpeg, there is a 9 second lag.

So basically at this point we have ruled out other computer software and the hard drive as issues... so we are trying to tackle the driver project.

The steps to narrow down sources of issues are quite involved. Without the kind support on this forum, I think I would have punched a couple of holes in the wall or at least hurt my hand trying to do so

Just wish it was simpler to have a computer for web browsing, You Tube, Excel, Word, Outlook, Quicken, Tax Act, Google Drive, a cloud back up (Zoolz 2), local back up, scanner, and printer (and their bundled software) was a little easier. Also, down the road, I am looking to probably do some programming using Python 2.7.12 & Notepad++.

 

On the HP link, it also showed a display driver , as well as graphics drivers (monitor)- This could be worth trying, if the graphics are still iffy.
If all the drivers are now installed- Check which graphicsy ou have and -
if NVidia- try http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk -use their scanner if you can
If Intel - http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html
If Amd - http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/auto-detect-tool

 

Another symptom of the video not working is that sometimes the monitor flashes some kind of graphic with a lot of black in it for a split second.

 

I have the Intel on Board graphics drivers. Tried the Intel tool but it didn't come up with anything.

Before, I had mentioned the symptom of the computer being very slow at opening a photo. I now opened it with "paint" instead of "photo" and that made it open at a normal speed..

But, still have occasional issue of arbitrary graphics flashing across the screen.

 

Screen flickering, and other issues HP--LINK TO SFLAT PANEL CREEN DRIVERS----- http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph05236#AbT3
I have noticed that Dell have problems similar to Silverthunder, and theirs uses an NVidia river- now it seems that the fix on that was to roll back to a previous driver, so, I suggest it might be worth trying an older driver - as it seems to have work with Dell users, and Nvidia,
I have found over the years that newer is not always better- so could well be worth looking for previous drivers for Intel -I assume your screen is aHP--If not an HP screen, it may need a driver for that screen.

 

Thanks for posting that information. I looked at the page that you linked to. But, the screen really doesn't flicker. It's just that some kind of graphic flashes on the screen very occasionally. Also, in my previous install (this was before I replaced the hard drive and before I reinstalled Windows on the new hard drive), my computer would sometimes clear the shortcut icons that I have at the bottom (not in the system tray, just the short cuts there at the bottom to the left of the system tray).
Do you think I should still try to install monitor drivers? The monitor model is Asus VS238H-P

 

Monitor utilities
http://www.asus.com/us/support/Download/13/29/0/13/41/

 

When I plugged my my cell phone into one of the USB ports of my computer, and then started viewing some photos from the phone's hard drive on the computer, the computer got into a loop of closing the folder and then automatically reopening it. This was at a time when I also had a USB thumb drive plugged in. Are there some kind of drivers for the USB ports? Maybe has something to do with the phone operating system (It's Android 4.4)?

I also see that HP support assistant wants to install a few things.
1) Intel rapid storage technology version 14.5.0.1081Ap1 - HP support assistant had previously installed this a few days ago but then probably Windows update installed something instead of it.
2) Realtek USB Card Reader 5145 version 10.0.10125.31214Ap1 - same situation as (1).
3) Qualcomm Atheros AR9000 Series 802.11n Wireless LAN Driver - might be worth getting even though I don't use wireless

I also filed a complaint with the BBB (better business bureau) about HP. Among other things, they are not providing a reasonable set of information or resources concerning this computer model/ drivers/ windows 10.

 

I would install anything offered by HP - As I said before, other drivers can often solve problems, so it would be a good idea
https://software.intel.com/en-us/bl...droid-devices-that-support-windows-10-is-here

 

thanks. In the software description, it doesn't seem like this software does much besides allowing you to arrange the program windows for the programs you have opened. Since I don't think this is actual drivers, I will hunt around a bit for actual drivers.

 

^--- can't seem to find anything actually.

 

As far as rolling back the video driver, that's a little bit than it sounds. I already tried what I thought was the display driver for this model, by downloading from the HP website. However, Windows says it's the wrong driver, and it would not install.

On my previous install of Windows, I tried using the Intel tool to find graphics drivers but it said there are no more recent drivers available. And anyway, we are looking for an older driver, not the most recent one. So, their tool does not serve our needs really.

Last option is downloading the specific driver from Intel, and not using any tool. This is tough because the drivers on the Intel web page are not clearly labeled. My friend said that you just have to try each one that is labeled as a windows 10 64 bit graphics driver. That in and of itself is difficult as there are many drivers on the website. I tried about 10-15 of them and didn't hit any correct ones. And anyway, for finding an old driver, you'd have to guestimate how far back to go when you start downloading and trying to install. Maybe try 2-3 years ago & then progress to more recent?

Really, HP needs to step up to the plate and provide the graphics drivers, both current and past ones. Among other things, isn't it possible that Intel wouldn't even have the drivers that are right for this computer? Because isn't it true that companies such as HP may have modified things to the point at which the original Intel driver wouldn't work?

 

I like this tool. Nice when you are trying to work with 2 programs or windows at once.

 

The guy on the HP forum that keeps replying to my posts (he seems to be one of the main posters there) says that I should use Driver Booster. I am always hesitant to use extra 3rd party programs. I mean how is a 3rd party going to really know which drivers are best? I can understand it staying on top of some of that, but I mean for thousands of hardware components?

 

Driver Booster has been downloaded almost a million times from MajorGeeks.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/iobit_driver_booster.html

Pay attension during the installation.
And here's a video tutorial from MajorGeeks.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/index.php?threads/driver-booster-4-tutorial.310992/

 

You will get conflicting opinions on using 3rd party software for updating drivers. Personally I won't touch them after twice crippling a system through using them that was previously problem free. After that I used always to get all driver updates from my system manufacturer's website but as neither of the laptops here are supported for Win 10, and as my PC was a custom build also upgraded to 10 I'm allowing WU to update the drivers. No problems at all so far.

 

Back it up, first and foremost.

 

Yes, I will "drink" to this strategy.
I think if I have time at some point, I will try to Google different driver versions to see if some non-Windows update ones are working better than others.
Things seem a little complicated as there are likely some difference of opinion from Windows vs computer assembler vs hardware component manufacturer vs 3rd party driver updater.
From what I gather, the logic goes something like this
1) windows may be slow to adopt newer drivers / may air on the more conservative side before accepting the new drivers into a windows update. Perhaps they have a backlog of new drivers to review and don't have that much monetary incentive to add new drivers.
2) Computer assembler is generally unmotivated given that they would rather sell you extended warranty support, or a new computer. Although they could take some heat & get a bad rap for being too laid back.
3) manufacturer of the part- a lot of the people that come banging down their door are more advanced computers users, may have actually bought the individual part from them. So these guys are probably more motivated than the computer assembler.