I stopped updating HP because my sister told me I didn't need to..now I find I have 22 outdated drivers. HP has something I can buy to download them automatically but I don't know how much control I'll have and I'm afraid I'll end up with a big frozen mess and I don't think I need them all anyhow.

I found DownloadPipe.com for free Intel stuff that has some of them at least. Is that ok to use? Is there a better source? Should I just let HP do it, only costs $10 or $20.

I did use the HP tool to scan and I think I know at least some of the ones I need.

thanks,

judi

I don't think you need to spend money to get those updates...
Some of those scanners that show up are just there to get you to buy it.. or pay for the service.

If you know the brand & name of the drivers you might need - you can do a Google search for them by manufacturer name or maybe even go to HP and get them there.

I would use the HP site http://www8.hp.com/us/en/support-drivers.html

Sorry, I don't know anything about download pipe.com

I forgot what version of Windows you have?
but here is how to update your drivers thru the windows hardware section -
a step by step tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...rdware-driver/

That was the HP site that wanted money, it was $30. I think that is just to have them do it all for you however, 'Driver Dectective' scans and updates for 2 years if you buy it. I went back to HP and put in one of the drivers it said I needed and it gave me 4 choices.. different brands. I will look online to see if I can figure out what kind I need. If I can't figure it all out I'll just buy the thing. I have Windows Vista 64 bit.

I was going to take it in and have it reformatted but I found out I'd need a modem to run Windows 7 and got annoyed, also read it can be difficult to find the correct drivers for an older HP with 7. So decided to try to do what I can and hope my IT nephew comes to the family reunion in July.

Thanks for the install instructions, I was wondering how I was going to do that.

judi

Hi there

Have you tried just clicking on 'check for updates' in the 'control panel box' this should update software and might do the drivers, there is no charge for this. Even ask a frien who wouldn't know about this stuff.

I'd try that first if all else fails, I'd be asking your sister to share in the $30!

It's very annoying, you might have to have paid for the service after the time period ran out anyway. I hardly ever use my laptop anymore, I have an iPad, the updates in software come in automatically, nice and handy.

Good luck with it

Sophie

Thanks Sophie..reminded me why I stopped updating the stupid things. I tried it and it gave me and downloaded HP Update Software Utility. It failed to install and I think thats what happened with the last update I tried to do.

I looked online and there was a thread about that with Windows 64bit and it said you have to run it as administrator. Theres a place to click to do that so maybe thats it. I'm too chicken to try it right now.

judi

I also read on a few sites while I was looking for answers to your question, that you may not need to update your drivers unless something isn't working properly.
So if things are working normally I wouldn't worry about it.

Jo is right about the drivers, I never update mine unless I've about a new PC. downloading those updates could take a while and occasionally they won't all install, mine has been trying to install Internet explorer 9 for ages, always fails and it doesn't matter, I don't need it. Unless something isn't working in the first place why fix it?

Let me know how you get on with the updates.

Kind regards

Sophie

I agree with the others, if you dont absolutely need the drivers, dont worry about them, turn the "updater" off if you can. Unless there is a piece of hardware thats NOT working then its not going to do any harm by not installing them.

And you should NEVER pay for updates, especially from a brand like HP. Every driver ever made is most likely available for free at their site, or anothe credible site.

Plus, Judi, you are on dial-up, having those updates do their thang all the time is going to make your online time even worse.....

I still haven't done anything...very embarassed to ask this but as my HP Update Software Utility is already downloaded should I try to install it online or off?

I think I'm going to try it, it looks like it does the same thing as the Driver Dective only its free. Np my stupid computer is not running ok, poor thing seems to have Alzheimers. It doesn't do too bad if I'm going somewhere familiar but seems to get lost and can't find pages, takes forever to load etc. if its going somewhere strange. It doesn't happen all the time but mostly.

I've been getting alarm beeps, I keep forgetting to get canned air to clean it. I used to only get them occasionally when it seemed hot but now they are more frequent, when I log off, etc. I looked on HP site for translation....said to check the event log, I dont know if I can find it, will look and see if I can figure out Administrator Command Prompt. One part said to update BIOS, that is something that was identified that needed updating.

I don't know if I have a hardware issue or something is just messed up.

Thanks and sorry I'm pathetic,
judi

I found the event log. Now I'm trying to figure out how to reenable Service Control Manager, WLAN, etc. Anybody know if system restore will work? It has something to do with auto detecting wireless networks or something, I guess I need it when I go somewhere with wireless...

to be continued.

judi

Nope, didn't work.