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I have been checking for driver updates and when I use the Windows Driver Update program it claims my drivers are up to date. When I check with "Driver Max" it shows a newer version.

As an example: I have, Intel ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller, version 8.8.0.1009. According to Windows Update this is the latest version. According to Driver Max there is a new version. #9.6.0.1014.

The questions are: Who do I believe and should I update?

Thanks

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I updates drivers only when (1) the new driver addresses a problem I am having, (2) the new driver addresses a security issue (very rare), or (3) when building a brand new system because the disk that comes with motherboards is typically outdated. I might also after applying a major OS patch, or if installing a different OS but I always read the updates readme file first to see if it addresses my situation.

And note if I update drivers it is from the vendor's site and not the maker's site. That is, if I have an Intel controller on my Gigabyte motherboard, I use Gigabyte drivers and not Intel's. Same with graphics drivers. If I have an XFX card, use XFX drivers and not NVIDIA's. This is because the vendor often tweaks or customizes the drivers for their cards.

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In the past, Microsoft have been responsible for some spectacular cock-ups with updating software from third parties - and even some of their own.

Even now, with updates for Windows itself I'm extremely reluctant to to use the auto-update facility within Windows, preferring to wait a few days for other users to find disasters rather than me.

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To all of you. Thank you for your input.

I had been attemtpting to update drivers anticipating that, although I did not have any problem with the existing ones, that I would get better service with the updated newer versions.

Ironically, I've always been a believer in "If it aint broke, don't fix it." Why I was trying to fix something that wasn't broke is a good question. :uhm:

Thanks again.

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Yes i agree my windows updates are set to download but i choose to install, and never update drivers through windows updates either, i always visit manufacturer's website for driver.

I never use third party programs for updating drivers.

but as Digerati has noted about going to the vendors is a good valid point too.

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Andsome said "I can't remember the last time I installed a driver update" (Technical post)

Andsome said "I am still trying to work out the logic as to quite how it works." (Jokes post)

You're not having a lot of luck so far this year, are you old buddy ?

Keep taking the pills to speed things up a bit. The world is supposed to end in 2012, just as well enjoy this one with a clear mind. :P

Happy New Year andsome ! - (And to all of course) :flowers:

John.

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Andsome said "I can't remember the last time I installed a driver update" (Technical post)

Andsome said "I am still trying to work out the logic as to quite how it works." (Jokes post)

You're not having a lot of luck so far this year, are you old buddy ?

Keep taking the pills to speed things up a bit. The world is supposed to end in 2012, just as well enjoy this one with a clear mind. :P

Happy New Year andsome ! - (And to all of course) :flowers:

John.

just to cheer you all up the exact date and time is - 11:00am - 21/12/2012 :lol:

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but I can't play my game without it yet-yet

Is this a game about the Abominable Snowman ?

Something like "Revenge of Bigfoot" or Just about Yetis generally ?

Is this Yet-Yet Disk 1 or 2 ? I cant find it.

John. :)

There are more magnificeint and wonderous things yet to come.yet-yet is only the beginning of the end of the age of enlightenment.

There is a game to be played,MANEMAN,as always.The question may or may not prove to be disk 1 or 2 part.Rather it is if it is to be single or multiple player platform.(This is also subject to debate).

I will venture to say that this machine I keep pounding away on is furthering/fulminating my cause of megalomania.Even if it is only delusional posturing,it is quite fun at times.

Yes.This thread is about drivers then?

I say try all methods.Pile 'em in and see what causes issues.I have updated drivers from Windows,Acer,DriverMax,ATI,and god only knows where else.I don't have any issues (computer related) that I know of.

If anyone even thinks about replicating the perfect system such as mine,don't.I only get away with it because I create regular Image Backups.It seemed to me a good way to get first hand knowledge.It hurts,but it works.For Me.

Remember,regular backups should be an active part of every computer users maintenance plan.

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Whenever I have someone elses computer up on the bench, the very first thing I do is make a disk image (Acronis) to an external drive, and then do a backup of all of their existing drivers with DOUBLE DRIVER - Free. (Many on the forum use DRIVERMAX ) Also free.

In the case of a clean system install being required, personal documents, pictures,audio, etc, I retrieve later by "Mounting" the .tib Acronis image in the new operating system and copying them across.

If you mess up, or they start complaining about how long you are taking mending their 'puter, you can quickly put their old operating system back on, and tell them to take a hike. :)

Most of the silly buggers lose the original install disks for hardware. This is where backups of their original drivers saves a lot of time.

Always download required drivers straight from manufacturer or vendor as already said in this thread.

"Googling" for drivers can lead you down some very strange pathways :blink: . Only do it as a last resort.

.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.

How did I digress ? I was talking about the bigfoot/Yeti game. :paperbag1:

Apologies. It must have been bludgards fault. :friends:

John.

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