Windows 7: The PC Detective?

Hello everyone.
'The PC Detective' tells me that 69 drivers and out-of-date or missing from my Dell Inspiron 1720 running Windows 7 (32 bit). The programme offers to fix these problems but I can see no mention of any cost.
I'd be grateful for your views on the site, like does it work, and what does it cost?

Many thanjs,

Les

Hi glossterline, the only true place to find drivers is Windows Update/ manf websites/ using the so called driver detectives could lead to trouble /payment for drivers unsuitable for your system ,Your first port of call should always be the hardware /software manufacturers website if that fails to provide a suitable driver go to Windows Update and search from there

I just did a search for this 'the pc detective' and can only find an internet usage monitor.

Where did you find this 'site'

Sounds too risky to be honest and 69 drivers. That seems a lot of drivers.

What does it say the drivers are for, can you post the list at all.

Lucky

Many thanks for your comments on PC Detective. I found it during a search for Dell driver downloads; in fact, I thought it was a Dell site until I had a look. Thanks particularly for the windows update/manf websites/. That is really useful.
BTW, on the official Dell website, the figure 69 is also quoted, although this site does not offer a scan of my laptop.

Thanks again,

Les

glossterline,If you input your service tag# on Dells webpage for your model of laptop It will then only show you the recommended drivers and updates for your computer ,hope that helps you

Hi Pebbly. Yes, I have found the official Dell site and successfully downloaded the driver for the touchpad (as well as a missing video card driver). It's a bit ironic, but I wanted to install the touchpad driver, so that I can disabble the device!

In reading many threads about installing Windows 7, I haven't seen any references to the fact that once Windows 7 is installed. some devices will no longer work because drivers have to be updated, or installed. In my own case, I had to abort the 1st installation of Windows 7, because the BIOS had to be updated. Again, I can't remember reading about such potential problems before doing the install - even after running the Windows Upgrade Advisor.

Best wishes,

Les

Hi glossterline, Many times you will find you have to install drivers in compatibility mode as many PCs/ laptops reach there end of shelf life so manufacturers will not issue new drivers for later version operating systems ,Vista drivers are particulary good at running in compat mode on Win 7 systems

Hey -

I've been using driver detective for a long time now and yes it is free to scan for outdated drivers but you must purchase a registration to "fix" them. I've never had a problem with the program, drivers have always been signed and virus free. But the advice that you received earlier about first going to the manufacturers site is correct. You can really mess things up by using drivers that aren't listed on your computer manufacturers website - However, if you just pay attention to what you're doing ( 32 bit and 64 bit are usually packaged together so you can easily install the wrong one if you're not paying attention ) then you should be 'fairly' safe. If you have any questions let me know - I'd be happy to help with anything I can.

BUT if you want a freeware driver update product then slim drivers has a pretty decent product.


Happy Driver Shopping -

Tagen