How can I prevent winXP from installing drivers automatically?

[MustangSVT]

I am trying to install new version of Geforce det 40.72 drivers.

but when i uninstall the old one, it prompts me to restart, so i click on ok.

but as it restarts back into windows, it automatically detects the device and installs it ?? that's odd because for other devices, it asked me if I want automated installation or install from specific location.

im guessing xp must have *.inf file or something hidden somewhere.. where can i find this? or disable auto driver installation?

thanx

 

[Insidious]

This is a posting I found at Guru3d (i think) that was discussing how to clean all traces and prevent auto install of video drivers.

1) Run Regedit and navigate to this key.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr
entVersion
2) Record the locations entered in the "Device Path" value..
3) Search these locations and also, if not included, these below also for any nv3.*nf, nv4.*nf or nv4_disp.inf files and delete them.
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ReinstallBackups (allsubfolders)
C:\DRIVERS\VIDEO (for Dell Systems)
C:\WINDOWS\Inf (which should be the first entry in the device path)
4) Uninstall and reboot - you should be using the standard VGA controller at this point - but if not dont worry.

*********NEW SECTION OF ADVICE**********************
5) Add ";c:\nvidia" to the end of the device path value (without the quotation marks).
6) Create a folder at c:/nvidia and extract new drivers here.

Note: For future updates - extract new drivers to c:/nvidia then uninstall Dets and reboot- afterwards the new drivers will install automatically. Then reboot again and use the RefreshTool and then reboot again and you're ready to go.
**************************************************
*

7) Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic

es\nv4 and delete this key.

Note: (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servi
ces\nv is the key which is used for detonator drivers whereas the nv4 is only for OEM and stock XP drivers)
8) Got to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro
l\Video
and delete any keys (eg. FF890-7895-7896-3611) which refer to detonator drivers.
(Uninstall drivers if not working under standard VGA) and reboot.
9) Drivers should now be installed automatically. Reboot and use the refreshTool. Reboot and you're ready to go.



****TO DISABLE AUTO-INSTALL OF ALL DRIVERS*********
Export the Device Path value in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr
entVersion for backup purposes.
Now delete the Device Path data (all the locations entered).
XP should not be able to auto-install drivers without you manually pointing to them.
***********************************************

edit: I have done this and it worked great! NOTE: I did not do the parts in the starz so I don't know how well that works.

-Sid

 

[MustangSVT]

thank you sid!

i think ill print it and keep it safe 😀

 

[Insidious]

Yeah, that one went in my 'keeper pile' too 🙂

 

[JustStarting]

can't you use detonator destroyer on XP and reinstall the drivers you want??

 

[Insidious]

you'd have to check that at guru3d.com (home of detonator destroyer). I was of the impression that Det destroyer didn't work with XP. I really don't know that answer tho.