How is Windows 7 Beta driver support?

mwmorph

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2004
8,877
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I have a system I would like to use Windows 7 64bit on but I'm not sure how driver support it. I have a Creative Xfi and ATI HD4870 1gb that would be the main things i'd like to work with and I'm not sure how the drivers are.

Also, how about program compatibility? Des Gears of war work? How about other games?
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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There are limited built-in device drivers in the Windows 7 Install DVD or ISO. There will be more when it's RTM. In the meantime, most Vista drivers should work.
 

Shmee

Memory & Storage, Graphics Cards Mod Elite Member
Super Moderator
Sep 13, 2008
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for your xfi, see my thread about what I learned when using my audigy 2, or go here: http://forums.creative.com/cre...aster&thread.id=135324

Not sure about the ATI drivers, but GPUz says the nvidia drivers for win7 are 179.23, which seems out of date :s

try the vista drivers, or check the amd site and see what they say.

EDIT: woops, that link is for the audigy drivers I got...try looking around for similar xfi drivers...

EDIT2: http://forums.creative.com/cre..._date_ascending&page=1

for your X fi :D
 

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
5,276
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As a general rule, any driver that works in Vista works with 7 - The driver model wasn't changed.

ATI have a beta Win 7 driver available - I have it running my my 7 box with a 4870x2, but have experienced hard locks which I strongly suspect are due to this driver.

*However* - Win 7 seems perfectly happy with the 64 bit Vista 8.11 drivers.

The newest driver set (9.1) is supposed to be out very soon.
 

Slick5150

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2001
8,760
3
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I can't get the Vista drivers for my Razer Barracuda AC-1 sound card to work in 7. WHen I run the install it just stops and tells me to insert the Razer AC-1 sound card, which of course already is inserted..

 

Griffinhart

Golden Member
Dec 7, 2004
1,130
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Have you tried to install the driver install app in compatibility mode? I had to run one or two in "vista compatibility" mode to install them.
 

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
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Slick - You can also try installing them from the Device Manager, rather than running the program.
 

Slick5150

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2001
8,760
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Originally posted by: Scotteq
Slick - You can also try installing them from the Device Manager, rather than running the program.

I can run the install program, but it just says "please insert your Razer Barracuda AC-1 card" and won't go any further. If you try to install them from Device Manager and point it to the install directory, it doesn't like those drivers.

I've gotten the generic C-MEDIA drivers to install, but if you try to open the configuration program that sits in the system tray, it crashes the system. I can load up the Razer config program, but it doesn't affect the settings of the card.

Frustrating.
 

nordloewelabs

Senior member
Mar 18, 2005
542
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Originally posted by: Scotteq
Slick - You can also try installing them from the Device Manager, rather than running the program.

that happened with my Wireless card. the executable didnt install....not even on compatibility mode. however, it installed properly via Device Manager > Update Driver.
 

Slick5150

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2001
8,760
3
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Originally posted by: nordloewelabs
Originally posted by: Scotteq
Slick - You can also try installing them from the Device Manager, rather than running the program.

that happened with my Wireless card. the executable didnt install....not even on compatibility mode. however, it installed properly via Device Manager > Update Driver.

I wound up getting it to work by installing the XP-64bit drivers for the Auzentech X-Meridian card (which uses the same chipset), then running the configuration program from the Razer AC-1 Vista Driver package.

Go figure.
 

WesWilson

Junior Member
Feb 24, 2009
2
0
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which configuration program were you running? I wasn't able to get anything to legitimately install from the vista driver in Win 7 64 bit.
 

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
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There are differences in the video drivers from vista to 7. Vista uses WDM 1.0 and 7 uses 1.1
Only 7 can currently use 1.1, what 1.1 adds:

* Return of 2D GUI hardware acceleration for use by GDI and Direct2D
o BitBlt, StretchBlt, TransparentBlt
o AlphaBlend, ColorFill
o ClearType font support
* DXVA-HD DDI
* Hardware video overlay DDI
* Optional AES 128 encryption
* Optional decoding of encrypted video content