How to Stop Windows Keep Automatically Installing Drivers

Whenever you plug in a new device, or windows found a new hardware, Windows will detect and automatically install available in-box compatible drivers. It will also search the drivers on the web or via Windows Automatic Updates. The problem with this setting is whenever you uninstall a device from device manager, it will keep re-install it after reboot or after you select "scan for hardware changes". A very good reason to uninstall the current driver from device manager permanently is varies such as:

1. Windows install the default driver which does not work. When we uninstall it to install different drivers, it will re-install the previous drivers before we able to install the other driver.

2. The default driver version which windows keep installing is newer then the version we want to use, so windows will prompt "the current driver version is newer than this package".

1 : OPEN GROUP POLICY EDITOR
Click start and on the search box type gpedit.msc and press enter. This will open Group Policy Editor.

Click yes if prompted

2: Go through (Expand by clicking the arrow button) : Computer Configuration -System - device Installation and Click device installation Restriction. The on the right pane double click on " Prevent Installation of devices not described by other policy setting".

Click to enlarge

3. Select enable, you can always change this setting by clicking disable (by default this option is not configured).

4. Reboot to apply this change. Now your computer will not automatically install the drivers you already uninstalled.

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Downgrade Windows 8 based PC to Windows 7

Most Windows 8 base PC such as HP Envy 15 notebook require BIOS/UEFI setup before you can downgrade it to Windows 7. Before we start I would like to point out important points:

For this tutorial :

• We use Internal DVD/CD- ROM as install disk. (change it base on your boot disk such as flash drive or external DVD/CD-ROM). 
• I strongly recommend to use Windows 7 SP1 because it is more stable and fix some bugs like remove pop-up notification about secure boot.

1.First step We need to access UEFI BIOS, here is how:

UEFI Firmware Setting on Windows 8

1. Press the Windows key + C, or swipe in from the right edge of the screen to open your Charms. 
2. Click Settings. Click Change PC Settings. In PC Settings, select General. 
3. Scroll down to the bottom and Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. 
4. In the boot menu, select Troubleshoot. 
5. In the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
6.  In the Advanced options menu, select UEFI Firmware Settings. 
7. Click Restart to restart the system and enter UEFI (BIOS). 
8. Make sure you already insert your windows 7 install disk before restart. 

 *UEFI/BIOS interface is different base on your notebook/PC


2.  Upon restart enter BIOS, make this changes:

The secure boot and Legacy support may located at different location base on your BIOS

• Legacy Boot or Legacy Support : Enable
• Secure Boot : Disable
• Boot order : Change the boot order by select your DVD/CD-rom as the first boot device. 

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• note 1 : if you are installing using DVD) - If you are using USB Drive, make the USB Drive as the first boot device. Or - you can also change this boot device later (step 4)
• note 2: you may need to press certain button to enter BIOS, example for HP 2000 you need to press F10
• note 3 : New Bios - such Fujitsu AMI BIOS, secure boot is located under security panel. For most HP product it is located under system configuration.

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3.Now press F10 to exit and save changes.

4. If you already set your first boot device (in step 2), skip this step, if not, upon restart - press ESC and press F9 to select your boot device.

Press F9 to select your boot device (windows 7 installation disk)

5. Select your boot device using the arrow key and press enter.(in this tutorial we use DVD/CD-Rom).

The Boot interface may look different base on your Notebook/PC

6. All Done, Windows 7 will start to install right away, (tutorial to install windows 7).


Partition Setup During Installation :

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During Windows 7 installation, it will ask which partition you want to install windows 7. If you get the message:

"Windows can't be installed on drive 0 partition x " , 

you need to delete all partition and create a new partition before installing windows 7.
You can still create multiple partition later on by using disk management in Windows 7, for now just create one partition for Windows 7 Installation as your C drive). 


Additional Notes.

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1. Not all Notebook/PC require this setup to downgrade to Windows 7, try to install Windows 7 normally first and if there is an error mean you do need  to setup the BIOS/UEFI.
2. Windows 8 base PC - Refer to  PC/Notebook/Desktop design specifically for per-installed with Windows 8. 
3. If you have the USB 3.0 option on your BIOS, go to "System Configuration", "USB 3.0 Config in Pre-OS" and set to "Auto".
4. If you are using USB Flash Drive as the boot device (Windows 7 install disk) - Make sure to format it as FAT 32 and use with USB 2.0 slot, do not use USB 3.0 slot.
5. If you are Using SDD (mSATA drive) - Change the Sata otion to AHCI (we actually want to disable Intel Smart Response Technology).
6. Each computer use different key to enter BIOS, check your manual for this or Google it. Here is some reference: 

• Asus : F8
• Sony : F2
• Gateway : F10
• Gigabyte : F12
• Dell : Del/F12
• HP/Compaq : F2/ESC
• Acer : F2/F12
• eMachines : F10
• Toshiba : F12
• Fujitsu : F12

If you have problems do let me know in the comment section below.

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4 Simple Steps to Clean a Laptop Screen

Cleaning your laptop screen or monitor is not hard since you can you your household products to do it. You don't have to buy a LCD cleaning products since

1. Turn off your laptop or LCD/LED Monitor :
Remove any power source such as power chord to avoid the electricity flow.

2. Create Your own Cleaning Solution.
You can simply use plain water, but it is better to mix it with organic solution such as vinegar. If you worried about the vinegar smell,  replace it with perfume . (I always use perfume, just make sure use a very small amount, you don't want to work with strong smell, trust me!).

3. Remove Dust by using Dry Lint and Brush.
First just wipe your screen without solution, just use Lint, and then use paint brush to remove dust and clean the screens' edge.

3. Use Lint-Free Cloth or Your old T-shirt
It does not really matter what type of household item your want to use to wipe the LCD or screen, just make sure it is smooth and do absorb water. Apply a small amount of water or solution we created, make sure it is not too wet. I prefer to use empty spray bottle, the wipe your screen gently. (don't use excessive force to wipe because it could damage your screen pixel).

4. Final Touch
Again by using dry Lint Cloth wipe your screen again to remove any excessive solution/water on your screen.

Summary:
I'm not a very careful guy, normally I just spray some water and let it there for 1 minute, then wipe with my old towel. I did this for about 7 years for both my laptop and my LED monitor.

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Acer Conexant Audio Drivers For Windows 7

When Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 is available, Acer use Realtek Audio devices for their notebook products. Few years back, Conexant was one of the popular audio devices for Acer model which released During Windows XP era.Unlike Realtek, conexant does not provides specific driver updates on their support site. There is different method to install the audio in windows 7, here is an example for Acer aspire 1690 and Aspire 3600 conexant audio driver installation:

Before proceed with driver  installation, just try this drivers first:

1. Conexant_acer_win7 : Download
2. Since the signature is AC97, give a try with realtek AC97 drivers : Download Link

Install by right click and select run as admin.


Method 1 : Edit the inf file.
I already write a brief instruction about this for universal notebook driver conexant audio installation.
You can read here for the installation with pictures.


Method 2: Compatibility
1. Download your original Windows XP Drivers.
Conexant Version : 6.13.10.8335 : Download

2. Extract the driver file and select "properties" and select "compatibility". Tick "run this program in compatibility mode for" select Windows XP.  Apply and OK. (example with pictures here).

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How To Check Your Drivers Version

You can easily identify what driver version you have by looking at the specific driver properties. You can access the driver properties via Device Manager which available on all Windows Operating System.

For this example I will show how to check the graphic driver version:

1. First you need to open device manager

2. Next right click on any devices you want, then select properties.

3. After that click on the Driver Tab and you will see the Driver Version will show what driver version currently installed for your graphic.

You can also identify the driver provider and driver dates. Digital Signer will show wither your driver is digitally signed or not.

Chipset Driver Version:
Certain devices not directly named as it should be such chipset is nowhere listed on the device manager. The chipset is categorize under system device, here is example Intel chipset 6 series:

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Automatically Update Your Drivers For Free

Finding the right and latest drivers could be a hassle, sometimes your laptop/computers manufacturer does not provide the latest drivers for certain operating system. Now Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 already on the market. If your computer released during windows Vista or Windows 7 era, there are high chances that your manufacturer no longer provide drivers support for the Latest Operating System. So, to deal with this situation you can use automatic drivers detection which provided by the manufacturer itself. All this tools only require Internet Connection.

Official Drivers Detection Tools

1. Intel Driver Update Utility - A very convenient utility provided by Intel to keep your system up-to-date. It not only detect Intel devices, but other updates that relevant to your computer. Just click "Check your system for Updates" and it will display which driver you need to download and install.

2. AMD Driver Autodetect - This tools provided by AMD and available for AMD/ATI graphics products. If you haven't installed any drivers, or you want to update your drivers for your graphics and didn't know where to get the drivers, then this is a tool that you need. Just download and install, let it detect and download your graphics drivers and it will ask your permission to install it.

3. HP Support Assistant - This tools originally design to optimize your HP PC/Notebook performance. However it also provides drivers updates if it is available.

4. Toshiba Detection Tools - This tools will not download the drivers for your system, but it will check your system information and provide the information you needed to download the right drivers. Another tools by Toshiba is Toshiba Service Station but from users feedback it does not work well for the most part.

5. My Dell - A tool for dell products when you’re connected to the internet, it will automatically checks for software upgrades, driver updates, and patches for your device.

6. Asus - Model Automatic Detection - This online detection will detect your Asus product and redirect you to the drivers download page. Then all you have to do is download and install the drivers base on your operating system.

7. Fujistu DeskUpdate - DeskUpdate is an application for automatically software installation (drivers and utilities) and BIOS updates. This utility only applicable for Fujitsu product.

8. Gigabyte Download Centre - GIGABYTE's Download Center allows you to quickly download and update your BIOS as well as the latest system drivers. A detailed list of all new drivers are displayed along with options for download. You can view details instruction on how to use it here.

9. MSI Live update -MSI (Micro Starr international) provide a live update and currently version 6 is available. You just need to download and run the program to can your MSI system. it will list out the outdated and missing drivers you need to download and install.


Third Party Software

1. SlimDrivers Free - A lightweight program that will scan and Install and updates your drivers. Currently it is totally free. It works like other driver software which scan and list out available updates.

2. DriverMax - This could be the most popular third party software, comes with free and paid version. The only problems with this software is it failed to detect whenever a drivers require patches before installation such as IDT requires MS-UAA. However they may improve the software over time and the issue I mentioned just a minor issue with windows XP.

3. TuneUp Utility - This software mainly for PC performance, it also have the features to scan your system drivers and it is similar to those 2 drivers software I mentioned above. I use it several times but not really happy with my PC boot time and the registry cleaner wasn't works well for me.

I did not mention windows updates on the list because it did not only scan the drivers but others available updates which take too much time. Still it is one of my favorite tools to check for drivers updates.

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In Order to Configure TCP/IP You Must Install and Enable a Network Adapter Card

The error " In Order to Configure TCP/IP You Must Install and Enable a Network Adapter Card" occur because wrong network driver installed on your PC. This issue is common if you are using Intel Gigabit Network Adapter and it may happen for other LAN/Ethernet Controller such as Realtek or Broadcom. This error will appear whenever you try to:

• Change IP Address
• Change DNS Server

If you have this problem (like my friend who asking me about this today) you can solve it by using the following steps:

1. Download the right drivers for you Network adapter. If you are using Intel network adapter you can download the latest drivers from here:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProdId=3024

Just select the drivers base on your operating system (Windows XP/Vista/7 or 8 or others).

or

You can also let intel automatically detect the best drivers for you:
Link: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect

2. Next step is to uninstall the current drivers, go to device manager and look for network adapter. Right click on it and select uninstall. Here is an example:

3. We also need to uninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software in control panel - add/remove program.

4. Now install the latest drivers and reboot.

Additional Reading - explanation.
My friend just installed windows 7 on a PC and he want to setup a local area connection. It is a HP Compaq dc7900 desktop PC which uses Intel(R) PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Controller. So I asked him to configure the IP adress but he's unable to do so because of this error. I asked him to look at the device manager and surprisingly it shows Intel 82567lm-3 network adapter. So, that's how I figure out the solution, wrong driver for the wrong adapter is the reason you are getting this error.

Just for you information, it is a normal situation where windows automatically determine which is the best drivers for your network card. So it install the driver during windows installation, but keep in mind that the default drivers not always the best. You need to find the latest drivers or download the original drivers from your manufacturer for the best performance and result. Why? latest drivers is more stable and keep up with the latest technology and the drivers from your manufacture is specifically design and tested for you specific model.

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How to Disable Driver Signing Enforcement in Windows 8

Windows will prevent users to install drivers without digital signature so to enable drivers without signature installation you need to disable driver signing enforcement.

STEP 1
1. Press Windows key + R, when the "run" box appear type:

shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00

STEP 2
2. Before it restart, a start up setting screen will appear. Make the following selection:

Troubleshoot — Advanced options — Start Up Settings — Restart

STEP 3
3. Select " Disable driver signature enforcement" after reboot.

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HP Wireless Assistant for Windows 8

HP Wireless Assistant for windows 8:
HP Utility normally is OS independent means that it will install on any OS. The most use HP Wireless assistant for windows 8 is:

Version 3.50.12.1
Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, (*Windows 8 compatible)
Download link
(If failed change the compatibility mode for windows 7 for both installation and application setting)

Before Upgrade to windows 8
This issue refer to Upgrading windows 7 to windows8 and not fresh Install. Windows 8Uninstall HP Wireless Assistant in windows 7 because there are possibility it will not work in windows 8. The problem is after upgrading you will not able to turn on or off your wireless using HP wireless assistant. If you already upgrade and having problem with wireless assistant you need to change the BIOS.

Changing BIOS Setting To Default To fix HP Wireless Assistant:
To set the BIOS to default you need to restart you laptop and press F10 on the post screen. The F button may differ across model, sometimes you have to press F2, you can see it written at the post screen.

Go to exit and select Load setup default and press enter.

If failed
Shut down laptop
Remove power cable and battery
Press power switch for 30 sec
Attach power
Power up laptop and hit F10
Enter BIOS and set the changes to default

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Intel® WiFi Link 5100/5300 Drivers

Compatibility:
Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1

Applies for:

Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205 For Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6230
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235
Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 100
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 105
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 130
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 135
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2200
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2200 For Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230
Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software
Intel® WiFi Link 1000
Intel® WiFi Link 5300 and Intel® WiFi Link 5100 products

You can download the drivers by :

1. Go to the intel download center: https://downloadcenter.intel.com
2. Select each option base on the picture below:

3. Then click find, you will see many search result appear, so narrow down the result base on the operating system. If you are using windows 8, select windows 8 from the OS menu.

4. Select the driver from the search result. You will redirect to the terms and agreement page before downloading. Download the driver file by agree with the terms and install the driver.

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No sound after Windows Update and Upgrade

Windows updates and Windows upgrade sometimes may mess up with earlier driver configuration for your audio. Updates and Upgrade normally installed a newer driver, update the driver to the latest version that they think best for your system or re-configure the audio configuration and setting. So what to do if this happen?

First Step
Make sure you have installed the audio driver first. You can obtain the driver from the manufacture site. Example, if you have HP laptop you can go to http://h20180.www2.hp.com and select support from the menu. Navigate through each option available to look for your model and download the necessary driver.

What if there are no driver for my audio in the manufacture site?
Post your laptop model in the comment section and I'll give the download link for your audio driver.

I already install audio driver but resulting in error
Normally this refer to compatibility issue, sometimes manufacture only release drivers for certain Operating System. What i would suggest is to look for device update on the hardware manufacture site like Realtek etc. If you need help on this do let me know.

Check your Audio Setting
Make sure you have the right setting for the audio, sometimes windows update made changes to the setting.  For Windows 7 select manage audio device from control panel - hardware and sound, you will see several option and select speaker as default or test which work for you.

Realtek user have the advantage of using the audio setting by using the Realtek HD Audio Manager. Make sure you select the right option for the audio jack.

System Restore - Undo Changes
System restore let you revert back to previous state where the audio is still working. This is the easiest and the best solution to the problems. There are many restore point available to choose so select the date where the audio still working. If you need tutorial on how to perform system restore you can read here.

Why there are no restore point available?
You need to turn on/activate restore point to use it. By default windows already enable this option for C drive. Sometimes if you have optimization software such as tune up utilities , it will disable this option to give you more disk space. Remember that windows reserve some space on C for system restore.

Uninstall Updates
If your audio and sound not working after updates then you need to remove those updates. You can do this by:

1. Click Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then, under Programs and Features, clicking View installed updates.

Click the update that you want to remove, and then click Uninstall. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

 Select updates that you installed which cause the audio not working after the update installation. To see the changes you may need to reboot first.

Uninstall Upgrade
Removing SP1 from Windows 7

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
2. Click View installed updates.
3. Click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932), and then click Uninstall.
   If you don't see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) in the list of installed updates, your computer likely came with SP1 already installed, and you can't uninstall the service pack. If the service pack is listed but grayed out, you can't uninstall the service pack.

Remove windows 8.1 on windows 8
There are no option to remove windows 8.1 from windows 8 unless you are using windows media center. You can do this by using system reset (similar with system restore describe above).

Remove windows XP service pack.
Let me clarify that the best Service Pack base on my experience is SP2 which seems the most stable whenever it comes to installing drivers. To remove (downgrade you windows XP service pack you can do it by:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and then paste the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:
   appwiz.cpl
3. Click to select the Show Updates check box.
4. Click Windows XP Service Pack 3, and then click Remove.
5. Click Finish to restart the computer after the removal process is complete.

If you still have problems with your audio do let me know in the comment section below.

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USB Drivers

INTRODUCTION:
Most USB devices drivers automatically installed after you plug in on you PC. Most of use call it "Plug and Play". For example if you plug a USB mouse into your USB port windows automatically searching and install the appropriate driver. You will see a dialog box like this:

But not all USB devices recognize by windows, you need to install the driver first before using it.


STEP HOW TO INSTALL USB DRIVERS.

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1. First identify what is your device model number/type name. For example you are using Verizon broadband modem UM150.
2. Go to the official download page and download the correct driver that match your USB device model.
3. Install it and allow few minutes for windows to fully updates and identify all components for the USB.

Certain USB devices come with firmware CD and you just need to install it on your system.


USB DRIVERS FOR USB FLASH DRIVE AND EXTERNAL STORAGE

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Windows already have the generic drivers for USB FLASH DRIVE and MEMORY CARD. Normally it is called "Mass Storage Device", by default all windows operating system have this driver in thier system, if not you can get it from Microsoft site here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318812

This apply for most external device such as:
    external magnetic hard drives
    external optical drives, including CD and DVD reader and writer drives
    portable flash memory devices
    solid-state drives
    adapters bridging between standard flash memory cards and USB connections
    digital cameras
    digital audio players and portable media players
    card readers
    PDAs
    mobile phones

For memory card if you get an error "Disk Management Console View is not Up to Date". I already write a post to solve the problems in details here. http://laptop-driver.blogspot.com/2010/12/disk-management-console-view-is-not-up.html

WHAT IF THERE ARE NO DRIVERS OR FIRMWARE AVAILABLE.

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1. Try to plug the USB device into other USB port.
2. If the problem persist, open device manager and expand the USB Root Hub

3. You will see unknown device or any device marked with yellow.
4. Right click on it and select Uninstall. Reboot your computer.
5. Open device manager again and right click on of the any USB root hub list and select scan for hardware change.

USB SUDDENLY STOP WORKING

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1. Turn off your computer.
2. Deatch power chord or power supply.
3. Remove battery (for laptop)
4. Open your computer and plug the USB device.

Sometimes when the USB is too hot and too busy windows will stop the USB device to prevent from system instability. I already experience this with few device from HUAWEI which require me to unplug and replug every time it is not responsive. Later on i solved the problem buy put a small fan near the USB device to keep the temperature low.

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How to check Windows 32-bit or 64-bit

Checking windows version is important especially to locate the right driver, not all drivers packed for both 32-bit and 64-bit.

(click the picture to enlarge)

Windows 7/Vista :
1. click start
2. Right click on computer and select properties.

3. A windows will appear. In the picture below you can see the operating system is 64-bit. it will state 32-bit operating system is your operating system is 32-bit.

This snapshot is taken from my desktop properties

Windows XP.
1. Click start - right click on MY COMPUTER select PROPERTIES.
2. A window will open. Under the system you will see the operating system 32-bit or 64-bit.

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