That seemed to be all for device installation, I didn't see much regarding "drivers" unless that is what they're talking about. Some of the options even said the listed devices will uninstall on next reboot, so I assume that means you can't even install drivers? The "Specify Driver Source Search Order" just lets you decide if/when to search Windows Update for drivers, it doesn't have any option for anything besides Windows Update.
You'll have to take them out of there - then uninstall the driverrs - reinstall your preferred ones.
I had to disable this feature, it was a real pain even in vista I had to disable this.
Its a great feature if it works out, but windows kept installing updated drivers in this case for my video card, the problem was the newest drivers created havoc with my games and video viewing.
I was able to disengage the function and install manually the needed drivers without any hassle.
Yes I'm dealing with this problem mainly with video cards as well (In Vista and 7).
How did you disable it?
Friend, if you hate this feature install XP with an antique graphic card that has in-box XP driver and you will see XP does the same **** as Vista/7. If you are having driver problems with graphic cards just do this (it will clean off ATi/Nvidia's graphics driver off windows, so it can't install the driver automatically :) ):
STEP 1
Get Driver Cleaner from: Guru3D - Driver Sweeper
STEP 2
Install it, go to safe mode, lauch driver sweeper, If you are using Nvidia/ATi graphics card and having problems with it, check the Nvidia/ATi graphics checkbox, analyse, clean, reboot, now windows won't install its in-box driver...
STEP 3
Install a driver version that you want...
PS: This program saved my life for like 4 times with other people's computer that just won't boot up...
Vista/7 still installs a default driver, even in safe mode. I've been using driver sweeper for a while, you must also clean the physx drivers for nvidia. I'm going to try SIW2's idea next time I need to change anything.
I don't use antique video cards, XP never installs any driver for anything I use, unless it's a simple usb device. I always get the new hardware installation wizard asking me what to do. I guess Microsoft just put many, many more drivers preloaded in their newer operating systems, with no way to simply disable the auto-installations.
I remember in vista it was in the control panel, I think it was under advanced system settings (Hardware tab, Driver Settings)
I think it is similar in 7, i did it recently and it was pretty simple, heres a quick run through if your interested in a 7 workaround I am certain there is more then one or two ways to disable his feature though.
How To Disable Automatic Driver Installation In Windows Vista
okay but if you use driver sweeper with my instructions, it will remove the in-built Windows driver(that has been haunting you). That way it will go on9 and search for a driver from Windows update (so disconnect your internet to avoid the auto update from haunting you now... then right click computer>Properties>Advanced System Settings>Hardware>Device Instaltaion Settings>No,let me choose...>Never install driver>Save Settings, now you can go online, get the driver YOU want and install it.
PS: its actually nice to have all the drivers you need built in the OS, but not when it doesn't work...
Driver sweeper worked for me when Nvidia graphic driver installation screws up... then I clean them off form safe mode and try a re-install.
REMEMBER: Driver sweeper is like a tool which removes every SINGLE trace [ALMOST] of a driver whether its a Windows in-built driver of an updated driver....
EDIT: Hmmm something seems wrong, but did you try the LATEST driver sweeper & what is the hardware thats causing the issue??? BAsically SIW2's idea is removing the in-built Windows' driver manually... driver sweeper will do that automatically... i think....
Last edited by akash3656; 10 Jun 2009 at 01:48. Reason: I didn't read OP's last post.. Sorry..
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