subject: Why You Need to Update Your Drivers For Windows 7 [print this page] Why You Need to Update Your Drivers For Windows 7
If you are upgrading to Windows 7 or are planning to buy a new PC with a Windows 7 operating system, it is important to update the drivers for all your devices. This applies to Modems, Wireless Modems, and Wireless Adapters, some Printers, as well as some internal devices such as Video Cards. This can save you from a load of problems from devices not working properly.
I have been called out several times recently to customers who have purchased a new PC with Windows 7. They all had the same problem; they could not connect to the Internet. This was simply because their Modems and Wireless Adapters did not have the necessary drivers for the new operating system. I do not mind being called out to fix these types of problems; this is easy money for me.
Obviously, you need to have the drivers ready before you upgrade or buy a new PC. At the very least, make sure you have the latest drivers for your Modem and Wireless Adapters, you will then at least be able to connect to the internet with your new OS and update any other devices that need new drivers.
All you need is the make, model numbers and sometimes the serial numbers, so have the device to hand. Log on to the manufacturers web site, look for Support and driver updates. Download the latest drivers for Windows 7 and Save' them. These downloads will usually only take a couple of minutes. Make a note of where they have been saved to. After download has completed, choose close' find the files on your computer and copy them to a CD or memory Stick.
Then when the new operating system is up and running, pop the CD into the drive, double click on the folder containing the latest drivers, and your computer will take over the installation process. Do this
before you connect your devices.
When you are able to connect to the internet, I would recommend checking for updated drivers for your Printer and Video Adapter as soon as possible. Your new operating system should make you aware of any
other outdated or problem drivers. For these, there is no need to copy them to a CD, you just download the latest drivers to your new PC and install them direct from there.
Always go to the manufacturers own web-site for driver updates. These are more likely to be verified' and accepted by Windows 7, than drivers from a third party site. Any known issues will also show up at the manufacturers web site, usually with advice for overcoming such issues.
