Fresh install, do you install all MB drivers ?

cbr · 18 Jan 2012 at 16:27

Planning on a fresh install of win7 64bit.
Then SP1 before I activate windows.
(worried about activating it now incase after a fresh install it wont activate, due to it being bought from Software 4 Students, OEM and all that)

Just wondering what all you brainy people do as regards....
Fresh install of win7 already finds & uses its own drivers for the Motherboard devices,

Is it best to only install the latest drivers win7 cant find ?
Or forget what win7 uses and install ALL latest MB drivers from web site.

Thanks

Dirk · 18 Jan 2012 at 16:59

Install OS. Manually install Soundcard/Graphics Drivers. Check Device manager for warnings. None? Good to go!

I haven't installed Chipset drivers since Win XP.

Destination · 18 Jan 2012 at 20:10

I instal intel ssd thingys

Randomface74 · 18 Jan 2012 at 20:15

Windows
+ Graphics
+ Anything that's unrecognised
+ Anything else as it becomes a problem

KIA · 18 Jan 2012 at 20:45

I only bother installing the GPU driver. Windows takes care of everything else.

cbr · 18 Jan 2012 at 21:33

Cheers folks

I just hate installing anything thats not needed

PistolPete · 18 Jan 2012 at 23:00

I build in this order:

OS
Chipset - from chipset manufacturer, not the motherboard manufacturer.
LAN / Video / Sound - against from the requisite manufacturer.
Anything missing in Device Manger or wanted from MB manufacturer.

Then Windows Update, hiding any older MS drivers it's thinks are newer.

TheVoice · 19 Jan 2012 at 00:57

Yes. The generic drivers Windows comes with (or gets via Windows Update) aren't necessarily going to be the best ones.