Does windows 7 automatically install drivers for you?  

I heard that windows 7 automatically installs drivers. Does that mean I shouldn't put the hardware installation disc in?

Bluehippo said:

I heard that windows 7 automatically installs drivers. Does that mean I shouldn't put the hardware installation disc in?

It usually does, if it doesn't it's better to get them from the manufacturer's website.

What are you installing?

Bluehippo said:

I heard that windows 7 automatically installs drivers. Does that mean I shouldn't put the hardware installation disc in?

Yes, it usually auto-installs appropriate drivers for your computer, thus reduce the fuss to install drivers.

But some drivers may not be up-to-date. You may need to download the latest driver for your computer, depending on the condition.

Hello AdrianK,
As a new Windows 7 installer I have several comments. I can not explain the reason, but it appeared as though W7 was attempting to access the net for drivers. I installed Zonealarm. Both my USB and SATA drive showed errors. Went to driver detail and all the options update, rollback and uninstall were grayed out and unavailabe. Only Details of driver could be used. I googled ZA problems Window 7 64bit and got hits that ZA blocked ports required by the OS to function. Removed ZA and the drive and the USB hub came up on reboot and connection with no errors.
Secondly, I have been sternly advised by a friend + Certified to never install factory drivers. Windows 7 has access to the driver's you need. Well I had problems with my video, checking W7 driver's, it was over a year old. Went to manufacturer's site and found one dated IIRC March, 2010. Updated with it and the problem disappeared. It ran with the driver W7 installed but now I don't recall I think I was getting Administrative Event Errors.
Good luck with your installs, seems to be varied opinions on this, some say Windows had everything you need and don't use Factory, others as above advise you to go Factory and get latest.
glennc

glennc said:

I have been sternly advised by a friend + Certified to never install factory drivers. Windows 7 has access to the driver's you need.

Sounds like your friend doesn't know what he is talking about as the rest of your posts shows,

Well I had problems with my video, checking W7 driver's, it was over a year old. Went to manufacturer's site and found one dated IIRC March, 2010. Updated with it and the problem disappeared.

Despite all the improvements made in getting drivers through Windows Update, it still is not a good idea to install them for major components (chipset, video, etc) and always better to get them from the manufacturer.

Hello again steve-pressman,
Sounds like some good advice so far in my limited experience. So, Gentlemen I concur, thus my personal experience.
glennc

Ok I'll get them from the manufacturer's website. Thanks.

Bluehippo said:

Ok I'll get them from the manufacturer's website. Thanks.

Good Idea!