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How can I update my Windows XP drivers for free? Please help - I am desparate.

Dalsan M
2014-06-22 20:22:40
You should always try to check the manufacturer's support website for driver and software updates. Manufacturers would include computer/device and model, peripherals such as printers, motherboard, etc. Other websites and programs may lead you to the latest driver version, but may not be meant for the hardware you currently have and are using. Of the software options to locate the latest drivers, if you choose to use one, I would suggest Slim Drivers Free. I have used it with little trouble or errors that would cause the computer to crash or become unstable. This does not mean that it is the safest option nor that it would not cause you or any other user issues. Also, graphics card driver updates may not be of the latest version through Slim Drivers; you may need to go to the graphics card manufacturer fir the latest driver. https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimdrivers.php
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Dalsan M
2014-06-23 16:57:35
The free version does request a reboot after each driver install, which is recommended anyways, but one can click cancel in order to keep the computer on and go on to the next driver install. IOBit Driver Booster does not request to restart the computer after each driver installs, however, I have run into issues with the drivers that were downloaded and installed by this program. A couple of the drivers it installed were the wrong version, requiring me to uninstall them or Windows Update would install a different version back into my computer. I did not have this issue with Slim Drivers.I would have to agree with notion of "if it isn't broken, don't fix it". More times than not (for basic or novice users), trying different things that are "recommended" by advertisements or even friends may cause anywhere from minor performance issues to major blue screen error problems.
dragonmouth
2014-06-22 12:18:19
Try these sites:www.l.com/aio/6026-universal-xp-drivers-cd.htmlwww.downloadpcdrivers.comwww.driveragent.comwww.driverguide.comwww.driverheaven.net
Hovsep A
2014-06-22 09:43:47
Jan F is rightif you have nvidia graphic card you can check this nvidia online scannerhttp://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=en-usIntel Driver Update Utilityhttp://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detectyou can also backup your drivers in case something happen and you want to reinstall all driversDriverBackup! http://sourceforge.net/projects/drvback/Double Driverhttp://www.boozet.org/dd.htmDouble Driver Makes Backing Up & Restoring Your Drivers Easier Than Ever [Windows]http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/double-driver-makes-backing-up-restoring-your-drivers-easier-than-ever-windows/3 Useful Software to Backup Your Hardware Drivers In Windowshttp://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-useful-software-to-backup-your-hardware-drivers-in-windows/
Rajaa Chowdhury
2014-06-22 09:32:00
Use the free Driver Booster from IOBit : http://www.iobit.com/driver-booster.php
Jan F
2014-06-22 09:15:42
Which driver do you want/need to update? Since you are asking for Windows XP I would suspect you are most likely running the latest drivers anyway. Most manufacturers have stopped updating for XP quite some time ago.The only driver you should update somewhat regularly is the graphics card drivers. For the rest it's usually a question of "is it working or not" and as long as it is there is no real need to update.There are some tools which can tell you if there is an update available for your systems drivers but I can't single out one good suggestion. Those I have tested will just link to the manufacturers homepage and still require you to manually download and install the driver.My suggestion would be to use a tool like Speccy to find the make and model of your individual hardware parts and then go to the manufacturers website and look for the driver in the service & support section.http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/speccy-an-advanced-system-information-tool-for-your-pc/
Jan F
2014-06-23 14:05:40
Both, Oron and Susendeep put it perfectly. Unfortunately everyone on the internet is trying to sell you some "Free" offer these days. And even personal blogs with 5 readers a month or so are sometimes filled with advertisement.Also, a lot of unnecessary applications make the way on your computer being bundled with other software you actually want. One example would be countless of toolbars that take up half of your browsers screen.If you want to do "something" what I can suggests running "Should I Remove It".http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/know-what-software-to-uninstall-with-should-i-remove-it/This may be of help getting rid of some annoyance.