Can't Fix or Reinstall Windows 7 HomePrm; Missing DLLs

[gregrocker]

The missing driver is likely the modem driver on that Gateway downloads page I linked you. If not it might be one of the Other drivers there. YOu can always trace the exact make/model device using Hardware Identification. Driver programs aren't needed on Win7 but occasionally on a stubborn one which I can't trace I use DriverMax for its 2 free drivers per day then uninstall it.

You can find your mobo model using Belarc Advisor to see if there's a newer version on the Gateway BIOS downloads page. But I'd first download it and read the notes inside to see if it solves a problem you're experiencing. Dave may also have some advice on whether this is worth pursuiing.

 

[do2]

Thanks for all of your help, gregrocker, checking out your advice right now...

 

[Dave76]

If your RAM is working and giving no errors from memtest86+ in the slots mentioned, then it should be ok.
Download CPUZ, check on the Memory tab, upper right corner, see if it is 'Dual' or 'Single' mode.

Agree with Greg, if you're going to use a Driver Program use DriverMax, then uninstall it.
Generally Driver Program are not recommended, they can install the wrong drivers and cause more issues. DriverMax has been known to be fairly safe compared to others.

Does your current BIOS show a version number or date on any of the BIOS pages?
If not download Speccy look under Motherboard.
Speccy Free System information Utility

It's better to run a BIOS from your OEM, as it is tailored to the system.

 

[do2]

gregrocker and Dave76, I cannot express my full appreciation of your time, knowledge and advice in helping me research, understand and fix the PC problems. Most of the problems have been resolved, for those not resolved I have hope or a workaround. Still can't backup to an ext. drive but can to another partition within. DriverMax won't download drivers but sent an email to support. Drivers listed at Gateway and Intel either fail install or aren't up to date per DriverMax. The Intel PCI Simple Communications Controller has no driver but if it only supports a modem, we don't need the modem.

The Hardware Identification tutorial identified the PCI hardware vendor as Intel. Belarc Advisor found a critical update & download url the windows update failed to identify and BA also affirmed hardware listed by CPUZ and Speccy. CPUZ lists the memory as dual mode DDR2 running at 331.7mHz. That would change if tabs were present to securely install memory.

The PC may be working as well as possible; there remain odd issues like ext. image backup and driver download which may resolve with driver update from DriverMax support...maybe. Hardware may be the remaining issue. The dvd drive works except for OS installing. The PC is running the best since i've owned it and has not had random reboots or spontaneous loss of OS components since we finally got the reinstall to load.

Words cannot thank you enough for your total support. Outstanding professionals.

 

[gregrocker]

What is the problem with downloading drivers from the Gateway webpage? This is very rare. Have you tried another browser like Firefox? Save the Download, rightclick to Run as Admin. Report back exact failure including verbatim error. If it won't run maybe you can browse into it from Device Manager>Update Driver to pick up the driver without having to install the software.

Have you run all Important and Optional Windows Updates after enabling Auto Hardware update? Check again to be sure.

Do not rely on DriverMax for anything other than finding a missing driver which you can't trace Make and Model. It should give you much more than just Intel. Trace it again with both identifiers this time.

 

[do2]

Greetings, gregrocker. I don't understand the problem either. I'm using Firefox 18.0.1. I misspoke regarding the drivers, I can download them several refuse to install. True they are for Vista OS but most Vista are used on Windows7, I think.

Was able to get the chipset device software to install from the Intel site. The modem (originally Agere is now listed as LSI), Gateway chipset and lan drivers failed. I did not try the ViiV or SATA RAID - should I try those? Was able to update the Nvidia video card at that site. Did not try the audio driver as audio is working well...just noted the audio driver is newer than that listed at Gateway. Tried card reader driver update from device manager and it did install that is dated newer but lower v. than Gateway. I suppose when the PCIscc failed a web install I failed to try updating others likewise...will continue and get back. BTW it appears the BIOS is updated to latest version.

 

[gregrocker]

So how is performance?

I would not have imported any drivers not missing in Device manager after all rounds of Updates are done, except the latest Gateway Display driver if you have a dated one.

You fell into a common mistake of importing a bunch of drivers from various manufacturers that might not be wanted by Win7 and can affect performance. This is the first driver-complete OS in the installer and via Updates - with rare exception - and not at all like XP.

I'd look over the other steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to compare how close you came to getting a perfect reinstall.

 

[do2]

appreciate the feedback. 'Had not thought about the WEI performance 'til you asked. It arrived with a 4.6 now shows a 5.0 due to low Aero score. Processor is 7.1, memory & 3d graphics 5.5 and HD 5.9. Looked back at Windows Update driver downloads and got the LSI driver therein. I did make an image backup immediately after windows update and might be able to move back. Reviewing clean install for best practice...I did try updates from Device Mgr today. Never got DriverMax to work on this pc.