Driver? (pics )

[FactorD]

hey, I've just installed a new OEM copy of windows XP on a custom built PC. This is my first time doing this, btw.

I've checked the System Properties > Device Manager, and this is what I've found:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6295/mycomponentslargelw6.jpg

I've tried labeling them, estimating where they're attached to (I think I'm wrong about the sli connector thing):

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2251/mycomponentslabeledlh5.jpg

I've already downloaded several drivers from the asus download page, (http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us ), but I'd like a professional opinion on what those with the "!" are? And where should I find drivers for these? I don't have original driver disks for any of my hardware. Also, I can't access the internet with that PC.

Specs: CPU: AMD Dual core 4200, GPU: 2 x SLi Nv 6600GTs, Asus A8N SLi Premium mobo

 

[Lord Evermore]

You need to download and install the nvidia chipset drivers, the link assumes you use XP or Win2k 32-bit, you can find the others if you happen to be using something else.

In order to make the RAID controller show up properly, you'll need to choose to install the nvidia SW IDE drivers. However unless you're actually using the RAID option, it's better to go into the BIOS and disable the RAID option and not install the SW IDE driver. Many people find the SW IDE driver can hurt performance, or cause problems with CD/DVD burning, but others find it helps performance and causes no problems. Up to you whether to try it, but the Microsoft default IDE drivers work fine.

You also need the Forceware drivers for the video card. Also the Realtek audio drivers.

The "Multimedia Video Controller" may be the video in/out chip on the video card, which drivers should be built into Windows but may install with the Forceware drivers (unless you actually have a TV card installed, you'll have to find those drivers yourself). Everything else should be picked up with the nvidia drivers and the audio drivers installed.

All the drivers can be put on a CD to carry to the other machine. Usually getting the drivers from the manufacturer will get you several versions newer ones than getting them from the mainboard/video card maker.

 

[ProviaFan]

I have only one thing to add to what Lord Evermore said: when installing the NVIDIA chipset drivers, say NO to the firewall / "network access manager" utility. It frequently causes corruption and BSODs, and doesn't give you anything that Windows XP SP2's built-in firewall (or better yet, some other third party firewall) can't provide.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Can you enable the TCP/IP offload without the manager installed?

I have NAM installed, but haven't enabled the firewall. I haven't had any crashes or anything.

 

[FactorD]

Cool thanks for the help.

edit: nvm about the rest, got em all now.

 

[FactorD]

woops sorry Lord Evermore my bad, you mentioned nforce drivers, I didn't notice, (thought they were graphics drivers).

Thanks a lot, everything aside from the "unknown device" is in tip-top condition. Now it's time to finally play some awesome PC games, that i've been missing out on all these years!

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
Can you enable the TCP/IP offload without the manager installed?

I have NAM installed, but haven't enabled the firewall. I haven't had any crashes or anything.

I don't know; when I installed NAM, random BSODs appeared readily (I didn't wait for the corruption that supposedly happens also), so I uninstalled all of the NVIDIA network "enhancements" without thinking to give them a chance sans firewall.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Oh right, yeah I forgot this was an NF4 board, stay away from the acceleration and firewall on that. I'm using a 570 Ultra board.