Vista and Nvidia graphics drivers

Guess ill start with my system specs, if that helps any

(notebook)
1.66ghz duo core processors
2GB ram
Geforce 8600M GS 256mb

And of course, Windows Vista Ultimate. (/cry)

Ive noticed my performance in games has been very disapointing, to say the least.
My FPS is on average lower than my old PC, which has less ram, CPU speed, and a worse GFX card.

I think it is my drivers for my graphics card, but I am having some issues.

My HP auto updater recognizes that i need new drivers, but when i download the file via the autoupdater i get error messages
that i am trying to uninstall my drivers using a 32 bit program while running a 64 bit program

Then it gives me another error saying 'this program is designed for windows vista, and it appears you are not running that software'

Then I get the first error again.

Then it quits out of the installer.

What do i do?

One other question I have: could i uninstall Vista and Install XP?

Thanks for anything,

-Mcwulf

 

Have you checked in the control panel for windows updates, it will list your hardware updates. ed

 

Are the drivers that you are trying to install "digitally signed"?

 

I do not know what "digitally signed" means

Also, i tried windows updater... all that appears on the list is language packs and dreamscene...

I went in to manually check the drivers, and windows says they are up to date and great, but my HP updater still says there is an update... why would this be?

 

Only reason that I asked about " digitally signed " drivers was that I've read ( not experienced ) that two of the latest hotfixes/updates for Vista are designed to prevent the installation of unsigned drivers. A "digitally signed" driver is one that has been certified and tested to work with the OS and the device, and Vista 64 bit seems to be more finicky with drivers than the 32 bit version. Are the drivers that HP lists for download digitally signed?

Another approach might be to go to their website and check the downloads available for your particular computer model, download the updated driver, and install it manually.

 

Ive had the same problem with my pc but I have xp.I had to go to Nvidia web site and down load a new driver for my video card.First you have to unistall the old one and load the new.It helps if you have a built in video card.Hope this helps

 

You can get the latest drivers for a specific device at driverguide.com. You have to register, which is free. Then once you can access the info, you click on find drivers (?) I think it is & do a search for your hardware device. Before downloading the newest driver, make sure you specify what OS you are using. It should then be compatible. Just a thought. Good luck!

shanrene