Thread: Be Careful about updating drivers!

Hi

It appears that Windows 8 really doesn't want us to use any drivers other then the default ones is installed at the start.

I got a notice that my sound drivers should be updated from Creative.

So I said go ahead.

The result: No sound!
I had to roll back the driver to get my sound back.

It won't let my update my video drivers.
The default driver in Windows 8 doesn't support OpenGL which some of my software needs but when I tried to install the latest drivers from ATI, it just wouldn't do it.

So it looks like for now we have to stick with the drivers that Microsoft provides.
I can see why they want to avoid the complications of everyone using different drivers.

I wonder if this will change before it goes retail?

Mike

where did you get the notice? I installed the NVIDIA driver I use on W7 about 2 days after W8 release. I had the driver saved. I keep hiding the NVIDIA driver in Windows Update.
Joe

This rectified things for me (this morning); selected (my) model & Win8 x64 as the OS. It's Win8 specific... not for Win7

Beta and Legacy Drivers - GeForce

Sorry, I know this doesn't help ATI folks.

Cheers,
Drew

Yesterday, MS Update gave me a new NVIDIA driver for Win 8 x64. This time, unlike the 1st time, during the initial install, it went through. Mine is the GeForce GT 425M. Fairly good Video card for the price. Most sub-$1000 notebooks has only integrated graphics, it's hard to find one with discrete graphics for $749.

I really don't mess with the graphics unless there's a problem, or other users reports that the drivers actually makes a noticeable difference. Sound drivers, I update as soon as one rolls around.

If I didn't manually install the latest Realtek drivers for sound, my DYNAUDIO platform would not work, and the THX control box was shaded, I could not fine tune the settings. That Realtek driver (64bit_Vista_Win7_R267) made everything work just as new.

Cat

At least to this point it won't install my ATI drivers and when I try and access my Catalyst video card control panel it just says there are no adjustments that can be made by this application or something to that effect.

I'll check for a Windows 8 specific driver instead of just trying to date to the latest but usually they are pretty generic.

Mike

When it comes to graphics drivers I have always believed that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Are they working OK? Are you satisfied with the graphics? then leave then alone.

Absolutely agree... some offered as optional Updates, screw up the display & you have to roll back... I don't put them in but, this 1 I needed for Win8 & it, indeed, did make it so I have a Previewer, again, like in Outlook in my Win7 & gave me a proper, full function control panel for graphics... may never use anything it but... lol. Glad of the Previewer.

Originally Posted by Ted Myers

When it comes to graphics drivers I have always believed that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Are they working OK? Are you satisfied with the graphics? then leave then alone.

That's the way I am on graphic drivers, as long as the graphics are good, then it's drivers are OK. Some of these drivers, the AMD ones for my desktop, are for controlling multiple monitors, which I don't have.

Once Windows 8 CP was installed, the graphics have never been better. I'll pass on any updates.

Cat

Originally Posted by Ted Myers

When it comes to graphics drivers I have always believed that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Are they working OK? Are you satisfied with the graphics? then leave then alone.

I learned that the hardway. I updated my drivers for NVIDIA GT9800 and got the defective driver that screwed up the fan speed and the card fried. So I'm not using the newest version but the one that works!
Joe

Originally Posted by Joe S

I learned that the hardway. I updated my drivers for NVIDIA GT9800 and got the defective driver that screwed up the fan speed and the card fried. So I'm not using the newest version but the one that works!
Joe

That happened to me when I bought my MSI notebook. It was folding fine (video card only, 5 to 6K PPD) then after the NVIDIA driver update, it wouldn't fold at all.

So I pulled out the driver disk that came with the notebook, reinstalled the OEM driver, it was folding again. But 3 months of 24/7 non-stop folding fried the video card. MSI replaced my unit with a new one, I haven't folded since.

Cat