Any free software that can find updates/drivers for my PC?

[yours truly]

Hi

As the title suggests, is there any free program that will find updates/drivers for my PC, and automatically install them for me?

I know I probably sound lazy but because I still use an old Dell, finding drivers (like the 3Com network adaptor my PC uses) is really hard

Is there any software which is free that can do this for me?

Thanks

 

[lxskllr]

You don't /have/ to update drivers. If the old ones are working, use them.

 

[Billb2]

for most "older" computers the manufacturer's website will have the latest drivers.
Dell even has a downloadable utility that will do what you want.

For nom dell peripherals, again, the peripheral manufacturers website is your best source.

And, in my experience, the "find it and install it" programs don't.

 

[bruceb]

I will agree with "lxskllr" above. If all is working as it should, the way you need it for your apps, leave it alone. Sometimes driver changes can cause all sorts of havoc. Don't upgrade them, unless you absolutely must to get something to work.

 

[yours truly]

OK thanks for your help guys.

I only asked because I just reinstalled Windows XP again and the only thing I end up patching is stuff from Windows Update.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Dell does have some kind of tool that reads your system configuration. maybe you can use that and compare with the latest drivers?
I don't think there's anything automatic though. You could also try downloading the latest driver disc for your system.. those will detect what you have and let you install updates.

 

[lxskllr]

What I'd do is make your own driver CD with all the drivers needed for a reinstall. You should only have to do it once, and you'll be good to go for the rest of the computer's life. Don't forget the chipset drivers from Intel.

 

[yours truly]

lxskllr, that makes sense, I'll make my own CD then

I appreciate all your help fellas

cheers

 

[Ksyder]

Everyone seemed to cover it pretty well but I've got one thing to add- if you can't figure out what chips you need drivers for, open up the computer and you can often read the small print on different chips (nic, sound, video cards, etc) and then go and find the reference driver for those parts. Many times when you are working on old systems its just what you are forced to do.

 

[techs]

The reviews I have read about the paid ones are that they suck.
And the free ones are spyware or useless.

 

[vailr]

DriverMax 5.3
http://majorgeeks.com/DriverMax_d5260.html
Can make driver backups for later re-install.
The free version is limited to 2 driver downloads per day.

 

[Zensal]

Secunia PSI

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Originally posted by: Zensal
Secunia PSI

I'm not sure this does drivers though.

 

[Zensal]

Originally posted by: ChAoTiCpInOy

Originally posted by: Zensal
Secunia PSI

I'm not sure this does drivers though.

Just checked and yeah, you're right. Except for graphics drivers.

Good program though. You should get it anyway.

 

[runestone]

http://www.radarsync.com/

Radarsync seems to work very well for me; a few false positives, but hey, it's free- and malware free.
R

 

[WildHorse]

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