Backing up drivers before Win 7 reinstall  


  1. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 64-bit
       #1

    Backing up drivers before Win 7 reinstall


    I'm looking into doing a repair reinstall of Win 7. In preparation I've been doing a bit of checking on the Internet. Time and again I see the warning to back up drivers; the last one I looked at said:

    . . . download and store all drivers that your system needs to function - especially the network controller . . .

    The problem is that nobody ever seems to amplify on this apparently important process; they just leave it hanging in mid-air. So, can anyone tell me:

    1) How do I identify all these drivers that my system needs to function, especially this network controller?

    2) Having identified their names how do I go about finding them.

    3) How do I save them? Do I simply copy them from where I find them?

    4) Are there any non-essential drivers that I need to take into consideration?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #2

    The free Belarc Advisor should do that. Download and run it.
    Belarc - System Management For The Internet Age. Software license management, IT asset management, IT security audits and more.

    Also either the PC Vendor or motherboard vendor (on a custom built) will have drivers. You can download them and either burn them to a CD or save to a flash drive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #3

    There are a couple of programs I used awhile back to backup all the drivers they discovered onto DVDs. DoubleDriver is the only name I can remember right now, I'm at work.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 725
    Desk 1: Win 7 Pro x32; Desk 2: Windows 10 x64
       #4

    I use Double Driver too. How to backup your drivers (and reinstall them later when needed!)

    Still best to start with drivers from your PC manufacturer website and/or from your device vendors. But if your network adapter doesn't work after reinstall or other drivers still come up missing having a backup copy of all your drivers on a flash drive is quite helpful
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for the replies.

    Now that you've jogged my memory I'm pretty certain that I have Belarc installed somewhere.

    I've visited my OEM's site, Dell, and it does look like that if I enter the model details I can get a list of the Dell-installed drivers.

    I'll make a note of the other software mentioned.
      My Computer


 

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