Installing Nvidia graphics drivers

[AlHo]

Hi,
I am looking to sort out my graphics drivers for my new computer and just want to make sure I get it right and so avoid any kind of nightmare, I am sure some of you will be able to point me in the right direction....

I have a GTS250 card installed on my PC running windows 7 64 bit. It is currently using the standard windows drivers would have automatically installed when the computer was put together. I would like to change these to the proper Nvidia drivers so I can have the control panel and more control etc.

This is what I think I need to do:
1. Download correct Nvidia drivers and save somewhere
2. Uninstall the GTS250 device in device manager with remove the software option
3. Boot in safe-mode and run a driver cleaner thingy (which one is free and best??)
4. Restart and run the Nvidia install program

Is this correct? Is it necessary to use a driver sweeper? I have read that the generic driver can just be installed over but I am not sure about this. Is it the uninstall option that I need to use? I have also read that windows will automatically re-install the generic driver from a ‘store’, how can I stop this happening?

Sorry for all the questions! I have only ever done this sort of thing once before (integrated graphics to a proper card on my old PC) and your help is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Alex

P.S If this has been covered before, I apologise! Please link me to it!

 

[24c]

I am also running Win 7 64 bit.

I created a folder - NVIDIA - under Program files and installed the drivers to that folder. When a new driver version comes out, I empty the folder and install the newer version to it.

(D/L from NVIDIA to Download folder, right click on file and Run As Administrator)

(Just got through doing it this morning, as a matter of fact.)

I'd delete the current drivers from Control Panel - Programs and Features, if in fact they show up there.

I've never used a driver sweeper.

How do you like the card, I was looking at one on Newegg today. I believe it has an HDMI output.

 

[thefabe]

You'll get different opinions on this but I always use a driver sweeper/cleaner before installing the new driver just to make sure all remnants of the old driver are removed. Some people just install over the old driver. But I like to get rid of everything to do with the old driver, just in case. This way I feel more confident in getting the full updates intended with the new driver. Fabe

 

[24c]

You'll get different opinions on this but I always use a driver sweeper/cleaner before installing the new driver just to make sure all remnants of the old driver are removed. Some people just install over the old driver. But I like to get rid of everything to do with the old driver, just in case. This way I feel more confident in getting the full updates intended with the new driver. Fabe

I mentioned I never used them, because I never heard of them - we learn something everyday - thanks - this is a great site

Any suggestions on a good one?

 

[thefabe]

I like this one Driver Cleaner Professional download from Guru3D.com Others use this one Guru3D - Driver Sweeper Fabe

 

[24c]

I like this one Driver Cleaner Professional download from Guru3D.com Others use this one Guru3D - Driver Sweeper Fabe

thanks - may the Gods of Cleaners bless you and your machines with eternal cleanliness.

 

[AlHo]

Cheers for responses. So we think my method should be ok then?

In response to your question 24c i think the GTS250 is a good card for the money. Your not gonna get 250 fps on crysis, but its pretty solid nonetheless! Mine is a Sparkle version with stock clocks etc and it has VGA, DVI and HDMI outputs.

 

[AlHo]

Mmmm...

Uninstalled windows 7 generic drivers from device manager for the card and screen went to 640x480 or whatever as expected. Rebooted in safe mode and windows reinstalled the generic drivers again! What should I do, can I just install over the windows ones as driver sweeper won't find windows graphics drivers I think. Also, when I check in the driver details section it shows 5 files. Do I need to delete these in safe mode or something??

 

[bobtran]

Just install the current Nvidia driver. Save the gymnastics for a time when you have errors on install.

 

[AlHo]

Done, all seems well. Leotard left in wardrobe. Thanks very much