ridiculous question

[American197]

This seems like a ridiculous question...but then again, this is a ridiculous problem...

How can I:

1) Find out what current driver I'm using for Ultimate?

2) Uninstall said driver

3) Download/reinstall new driver

Is this all done through windows update? I just want to make sure I have 64 bit drivers all the way 'round...

thanks,

SJ

 

[stormy13]

1. In Device Manager

2. Usually in Programs and Features, unless it isn't listed there then back to Device Manager

3. From the hardware or computer manufacture's website. In the case of a video driver (primarily ATI or Nvidia), go to ATI or Nvidia's site.

Is this all done through windows update?

Only if you relish the thought of possibly hosing your Windows install.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Assuming that you are talking about drivers for GPU, Audio, Mouse, KB, Network & monitor, your best best is to go to each individual manufacturer and download their respective x64 drivers as, I can not be 100% sure but I think Device Manager will only tell you the version of the driver you are using.

Now, Vista, for the most part, will not let you install a driver that is not for it but some devices, like a Monitor, can use 32 bit drivers.

Don't quote me on it though, I am still learning my way around Vista.

 

[sygnus21]

This seems like a ridiculous question...but then again, this is a ridiculous problem...

How can I:

1) Find out what current driver I'm using for Ultimate?

2) Uninstall said driver

3) Download/reinstall new driver

Is this all done through windows update? I just want to make sure I have 64 bit drivers all the way 'round...

thanks,

SJ

Is this all done through windows update?

Only if you relish the thought of possibly hosing your Windows install.

Whenever possible, always get your device drivers (video card, sound card, keyboard, etc) from the device manufacture.

Assuming that you are talking about drivers for GPU, Audio, Mouse, KB, Network & monitor, your best best is to go to each individual manufacturer and download their respective x64 drivers as, I can not be 100% sure but I think Device Manager will only tell you the version of the driver you are using.

Now, Vista, for the most part, will not let you install a driver that is not for it but some devices, like a Monitor, can use 32 bit drivers.

Don't quote me on it though, I am still learning my way around Vista.

AstaLaVista's post says it all.

But to answer the general question - if you're using Vista 64, the device drivers will have to be 64-bit as well. If necessary, Windows will install generic drivers for devices like your monitor.

Mucking around in device manager to determine driver version(s) is a waste of time and it won't tell you that they're 64-bit. This is assumed as the OS is 64-bit. (barring small exceptions)

 

[American197]

Thanks for the advice, all. As you can tell, I'm super green to all this...I've installed every possible 64bit driver from the manufacturers' web sites (video, audio, etc), but one of my buddies said I needed to install a 64 driver for Vista Ultimate itself, hence the 'windows update' comment. So off I went, chasing something that (I'm pretty sure) doesn't exist. Hey, it was 5am, and I was tired! lol

Thanks again

 

[sygnus21]

but one of my buddies said I needed to install a 64 driver for Vista Ultimate itself, hence the 'windows update' comment.

Perhaps they could let us all know what that driver would be???

"Maybe" they're talking about service pack 1 (SP1)?

 

[American197]

Yeah, I have SP1...

LOL, I know, right? He may have just made a mistake. He's a XP lover and a Vista hater.

 

[AstaLaVista]

How techy or PC guru is your friend? Sometimes, they mean well but their information is hearsay, meaning, they have gotten it out of context from some one else... I should know!

To my knowledge, as soon as you install Vista Ultimate x64, everything is x64 compatible and you need no more drivers for the OS but only for the individual devices, gpu, kb, etc, etc (as stated above).

 

[American197]

He works in the Valley at a tech firm! LOL

I think you're right though. It would be nice if 'ol Bill Gates would make a simple driver fix for all of my problems. I'd call it...XP. LOL...either that, or 7? Maybe even *gasp* Mac? I do love my iPhone... ;P

Thanks,

Sal