Driver Updates: Trust Microsoft or "Driver Detective"?

Discussion in 'Software' started by grc123, Apr 17, 2008.

  1. grc123

    grc123 MajorGeek

    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 eight (8) devices. Hunted `em all down via their individual websites, and was able to get five to "take" ... so now I'm down to three - right (?) ... please stay tuned ...

    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/device.

    Now, after all that, when I ran "DD" again, it reports that I again have "7" "out of date drivers" (four more than the last time I used that program to check - and, since I (supposedly) updated ALL (possible) drivers though Device Manager.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 at any time, but that's what this program seems to be telling me - has happened (??).

    QUESTION: Could it be, that the updates from the manufacturers, are more "current" ("up to date") than whatever/wherever Microsoft 'searches online' - or does Microsoft "search" those manufacturers sites as well as it's own?

    Thanks.
     
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    HI

    Some of these driver finding applications while "OK" are not always accurate, just as Microsoft udpate does not always give you best and current driver but a default WHQL one ( MSFT only list drivers that have gone through their WHQL process so may well not be current driver ), many users dont use any of the drivers that Microsoft alerts you too, but only use the current one from the hardware maker or in the case of an OEM pc the PC makers listing of current compatible drivers.


    To be honest there are not many drivers that actuallt really need updating or actually add anything to your PC, chipset drivers are one, only the one thats directly for your mobo is the one thats adding support, many updates to these are mearly updating for newer mobos, other drivers worth updating are Ethernet and Graphics only, if sound is working dont mess with that one as many will find that if its onboard sound then updating to a driver from the original maker may well kill the driver as many OEM PC makers have dedicated ones build for their requirements that may well be different, so stick to the Mobo or OEMs drivers.


    Old addage of if your PC is working dont fiddle is a goodun :)
     

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