How to know what drivers are still needed?  


  1. Posts : 297
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601)
       #1

    How to know what drivers are still needed?


    Back-story:
    Yesterday, my Uncle gave me his laptop: a Toshiba Satellite L750-A096. Probably it's around from 2011 or earlier and it was bought from the Middle East. He said that it was running slow and when I checked the laptop, I saw a lot of unnecessary programs, I didn't know where to start doing the clean-up so I said to him that I'll just clean re-install Windows, his OS is Home Premium x64. I did what this
    said.

    I know that Windows will search the drivers for you via Device Manager, but sometimes they aren't updated. Is there any way to know what drivers are still needed? So far I've only installed Atheros Wireless LAN Driver (On the lower part and with the NEW tag) and the NVIDIA 335.23 update.

    PC Specs:
    This PDF contains the specs
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #2

    Are you missing any drivers in device manager? Anything with a next to it?
      My Computer


  3. LTM
    Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits
       #3

    What about the free program "SlimDrivers"?

    It makes backups first and in my experience it is safe.

    You can find it here.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #4

    SlimDrivers, or any "driver finder" program isn't needed with w7. It can recommend drivers for non existent hardware or send you to links to pay for drivers, which may be wrong and corrupted. It's also very hard to uninstall.
      My Computer


  5. LTM
    Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits
       #5

    Britton30 said:
    SlimDrivers, or any "driver finder" program isn't needed with w7.
    Why not?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #6

    LTM said:
    Britton30 said:
    SlimDrivers, or any "driver finder" program isn't needed with w7.
    Why not?
    w7 is already driver complete or Windows Update will get them. My other statement should tell you too.
    britton30 said:
    It can recommend drivers for non existent hardware or send you to links to pay for drivers, which may be wrong and corrupted. It's also very hard to uninstall.
    It's more snake oil than helpful, like tweaking program. If someone is still on XP or Win 98, they may be helpful.
      My Computer


  7. LTM
    Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits
       #7

    Britton30 said:
    It can recommend drivers for non existent hardware or send you to links to pay for drivers, which may be wrong and corrupted. It's also very hard to uninstall.
    This is the part that I don't recognize.

    I never experienced such a thing and it sounds a little bit paranoid to me.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 297
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601)
    Thread Starter
       #8

    derekimo said:
    Are you missing any drivers in device manager? Anything with a next to it?
    Sorry for the late reply. I gave back the laptop to my Uncle a couple of hours ago. I may get it again tomorrow or the next day. Yes, there are some exclamation marks on 4 devices. I could still use the net (WiFi) since I downloaded the Atheros driver.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #9
      My Computer


 

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