Installing Manufacturer Drivers

[smak451]

I've just done a clean install of Win 7 (w/HD format) without much problem. I've also downloaded all device drivers from my mobo manufacturer (Asus) and Nvidea video card, etc. I'd like to replace some of the Win 7 default drivers (chipset & audio for example) with the one's I've downloaded (they all contain setup.exe apps to install them).

My simple question is, can I just run the device driver setup.exe over the Win 7 default drivers, or do I need to go the each device in Device Manager and use the "Driver Update" and (I think) locate the correct .ini file or use some other method? Obviously using the set.exe is easiest, so long as there are no problems installing over the Win 7 default drivers (some of which seem to lack some of the manufacturer's device functionality). Please help! Thanks a lot, -- S

 

[merkat106]

You should be able to install the drivers using the executable (exe) without messing with device manager. So go ahead, use the installer... Only if the installation fails would you do driver update. Driver update doesn't always find the best drivers for the devices.

 

[zigzag3143]

I've just done a clean install of Win 7 (w/HD format) without much problem. I've also downloaded all device drivers from my mobo manufacturer (Asus) and Nvidea video card, etc. I'd like to replace some of the Win 7 default drivers (chipset & audio for example) with the one's I've downloaded (they all contain setup.exe apps to install them).

My simple question is, can I just run the device driver setup.exe over the Win 7 default drivers, or do I need to go the each device in Device Manager and use the "Driver Update" and (I think) locate the correct .ini file or use some other method? Obviously using the set.exe is easiest, so long as there are no problems installing over the Win 7 default drivers (some of which seem to lack some of the manufacturer's device functionality). Please help! Thanks a lot, -- S

Most drivers in win 7 are exe's. just double click and they should install. if they dont you can upgrade from within device manaher, finally you should avoid "driver detective" type driver updaters

Ken

 

[smak451]

Cool, thanks guys. What the hell is that driver download add doing in my original post? Oh man, looks like I have a lot of work to do! Cheers, -- S