Saturday, 13 September 2014

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.

Friday, 12 September 2014

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.

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Dell Latitude e6400 Drivers for Windows XP/Vista/7

Dell released official Windows XP, Vista and 7 drivers for this model. I just remake the list base on the importance drivers and remove the application (optional installation) including unimportant drivers. Please install according to the order given and do let me know if you have the problem with the installation.
Install all driver base on the order, reboot if you asked to do so.

Chipset
Intel Chipset Installation Utility
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download

AMT
Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download

AMT - HECI
Intel Active Management Technology Host Embedded Control Interface
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download


Notes - Storage:
Originally Intel matrix Storage Manager Deploy for Windows XP, later on Intel Rapid Storage Technology is the newer version for the Intel Matrix, so for these 2 storage driver I recommend to use the Intel Rapid Storage technology over IMSM. You will notice the boot time difference in windows 7.
Pre OS storage (for Windows Installation - In case you need it) - SATA  : 32-bit 64-bit

Storage
Intel matrix Storage Manager Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download

Storage
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download


Notes - Graphic:
There are 3 applicable graphic drivers, choose base on your specification. Normally a small sticker near to your keyboard will show what type of graphics you have.

Graphic
Intel GMA 4500/4500M/4500MHD Drivers
Windows XP 32-bit: Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista/7 (32-bit) : Download
Windows Vista/7  (64-bit) : Download

Graphic
Intel GM45/GE45/GS45 Integrated Graphics
Windows XP 32-bit: Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista/7 (32-bit) : Download
Windows Vista/7  (64-bit) : Download

Graphic
nVidia Quadro FX370M, Quadro NVS 160M, Quadro NVS160M, Quadro FX 770M, Quadro FX 3700M, Quadro FX 2700M, Quadro FX1700M.
Windows XP 32-bit: Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista/7 (32-bit) : Download
Windows Vista/7  (64-bit) : Download

Audio
IDT 92HDxxx High Definition Audio Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download | Mirror

Card Reader
Ricoh R5C8xx/R5U24x Memory Card Reader Driver
Windows XP/Vista (32/64-bit) : Download
Windows 7 (32/64-bit) : Download

Webcam
Creative Labs Integrated Webcam Driver
Windows XP/Vista (32/64-bit) : Download

Touchpad
Dell Touchpad/ Pointing Stick Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download

LAN - Ethernet Controller
Intel 825xx Gigabit Platform LAN Network Device Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download

Bluetooth
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Minicard
Windows XP : Download
Windows Vista : Download
Windows 7 :  Download

Bluetooth
Dell Wireless 410 BT+UWB Minicard
Windows XP/Vista : Download
Windows 7 :  _Use windows Vista/XP driver and install in compatibility mode for windows Vista.

Notes - Wireless:
There are 3 applicable graphic drivers, choose base on your specification. You can try to install the driver if you not sure which to choose, installing wrong driver will not harm your system but please make sure to uninstall it before installing other driver. The easiest way to identify you wireless card is by looking for the hardware ID.

Wireless
Dell Wireless WLAN 1397/1501/1510/1520 Half MiniCard Driver
Windows XP (32/64-bit) : Download
Windows Vista/7 (32/64-bit) : Download

Wireless
Intel ® Wi-Fi Link 5000/5100/5300 Driver
Windows XP : Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista 32-bit : Download
Windows Vista 64-bit : Download
Windows 7 32-bit : Download
Windows 7 64-bit : Download

Wireless
Intel (R) WiMAX Link 5150
Windows XP 32-bit : Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista 32-bit : Download
Windows Vista 64-bit : Download
Windows 7 32-bit : Download
Windows 7 64-bit : Download


Broadband
Dell Wireless 5620 Mobile Broadband Mini-Card Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download 

Broadband
Dell Wireless 5540 HSPA Mini Card, v.R2AA06, A12
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download 

Modem
Conexant D330,HDA,MDC,v.92 Modem Driver
Windows XP 32-bit : Download
Windows XP 64-bit : Download
Windows Vista 32-bit : Download
Windows Vista 64-bit : Download
Windows 7 32-bit : Download
Windows 7 64-bit : Download
Red Hat (Linux) : Download

Touch Screen
Dell Digitech Touchscreen Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download 

Monitor
Dell ST2220T Touch Monitor Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 and Server 2003 (32/64-bit) : Download

Mouse - Driver
Logitech Bluetooth Travel Mouse Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download 

Mouse - Application
Logitech Bluetooth Travel Mouse Application
(Please install the mouse driver first! - This installation is optional)
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download

Keyboard
Dell USB Smart Card Reader Keyboard Driver
Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit) : Download 


WINDOWS 8 and 8.1 Upgrade and Drivers for Latitude e6400.
If you plan to install windows 8 or windows 8.1 (any version), here is the step you need to do in order to install the drivers you need:

1. Run windows updates - install any drivers update available.
2. For Intel drivers (chipset, AMT, MEI, Graphic and Wireless) let Intel detect which drivers you need: Auto detection.
3. Check what the other drivers is missing, after that install windows 7 drivers in windows 8 using compatibility mode. Normally you will need to install Ethernet, card reader and webcam drivers in compatibility mode.


ISSUE and FIX
1. This computer does not meet the minimum requirements for installing the software.
It means you are installing Intel driver by using incompatible operating system, example installing windows XP driver in windows 7. To fix this install the appropriate drivers base on the operating system.

2. High CPU Usage
Normally cause by a virus or too many programs installed/running - Install a lightweight antivirus and uninstall unwanted program. Do optimize your start up items. The other thing that cause this problem is using a non-oem windows. Please get the original oem Windows DVD if you buy the used one.
Overheating -  Get  a USB fan and place it near to the hottest part of your notebook. Make sure not to use your laptop without any air flow at the bottom, make sure you have something placed under your laptop to provide space for the heat to flow.

Dell V715w AIO Printer Drivers for Windows XP/Vista/7/8

Dell released a single drivers that supported Windows XP and later till Windows 8. There are 2 available drivers released which base on the Windows architecture:

Windows XP, Vista,7 and 8 32-bit Download Link (46MB): DELL_V715w_wcr_32_en.exe
Windows XP, Vista,7 and 8 64-bit Download Link (70MB): DELL_V715w_wcr_64_en.exe

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Issue :

Installation Error:
"Your operating system cannot support the Dell V715w printer."
"Installation cannot continue."

If this proble, occur during installation, you need to install in in compatibility mode.
  • After installation you will get the error as aboved.
  • It will also create a folder in C:\DELL\drivers\V715w
  •  Run Setup.exe in the  folder that the installer by right click and select "Troubleshoot compatibility".
    Choose:  "Troubleshoot program" -> "The program worked in a previous version of Windows" -> "Windows 7"

Monday, 8 September 2014

Toshiba Satellite a300-20f Drivers Windows XP/Vista/7

Model : Satellite a300-20f
Part Number : PSAG8E-04S009G3
Manufacturer: Toshiba
Regional Product: Euro

This notebook no longer released for market, it is a discontinue product and Toshiba provides support for Windows XP, Vista and 7 for this model.You can check which driver you need here if you are tight on Internet Data Usage.

Windows 32-bit and 64-bit :
All driver is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit unless if there are separate driver needed, I will list it separately. Note that x86 is 32-bit and x64 is 64-bit. (How to check 32 or 64-bitc - read here)
Version and File Size
I will not list the driver version and file size since it is available on read-me file on each drivers package. The original Download Page listed all drivers and version and file size. You can refer here.

I remake the list base on :
-Important drivers and Apps
-Installation Order
-Optional application are not listed. Refer to official download page for that.
-Details description added instead of general name for the drivers.

Chipset: 
Intel GM45 Express Chipset
Download : Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7 

Graphic
Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD
Download : Windows XP | Vista 32-bit | Vista 64-bit | Windows 7 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit

Audio: 
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Download : Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit

Bluetooth Stack: 
Toshiba Bluetooth Stack
Download :  OS Independent

Bluetooth Monitor 
Toshiba Bluetooth Monitor
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7- use windows Vista driver and Install in compatibility mode for Windows Vista in your windows 7.

Card Reader
Ricoh R5C8xx Card Reader Controller
(Windows 7 drivers also support R5U23x/24x Controller and fix sleep issue in windows 7 SP1)
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7


CIR -Infrared
Winbond Infrared Driver
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit

Modem
Toshiba/Motorola Modem Driver
Download : Windows XP | Vista 32-bit | Vista 64-bit | Windows 7 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit

LAN-Ethernet
Realtek RTL8139/810x/c+/8169/8110 LAN Drivers
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7 and Windows 8 (from realtek)

Storage
Storage Manager/ Intel Matrix Storage Manager
(the main use of this driver is to get the sata driver file for XP Installation) 
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7 

Touchpad
Synaptic Touchpad Driver
(Windows 7 download link not available on Toshiba support, so this link is from synaptic itself)
Download : Windows XP | Vista | Windows 7 

Webcam
Chicony Webcam Driver
Download : Windows XP | Vista 32-bit | Vista 64-bit | Windows 7- use windows Vista driver and Install in compatibility mode for Windows Vista in your windows 7.

Wireless
Intel WIFI Link 5100
Download : Windows XP 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit | Vista 32-bit | Vista 64-bit| Windows 7 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit

Note:
If you install HWSetup Utility from Toshiba website, it is capable of enabling/disabling Intel's turbo boost, web cam and also the Card reader. If you SD card Reader not recognized, toggled it off and on.

Friday, 5 September 2014

Toshiba USB Touch Panel Drivers and Calibration

This post mainly to cover issue in SS1700MY Touch Panel Issue, before further details installation make sure you already run the basic calibration first.

Use the following steps to calibrate your touch screen :

1. Click Start and then Control Panel, and next Hardware and Sound.
2. Under Tablet PC Settings, tap Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
3. On the Display tab, under Display options, tap Calibrate and then Yes to allow the program to make changes.
 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your touch screen.

Drivers for XP Vista and 7
The problem With Dynabook SS1700MY the touch panel is not working properly especially for windows 7. After a few research I found out that it uses SMK Touch Panel device. So I look all over the web to find the touch panel driver. .I didn't found drivers for SS1700MY but found for SS200, from the Hardware ID both model use the similar device which is " ttabusb, HID\VID_0609&PID_0303". I found this on the Chinese/Japan website (not sure about the language). Just download and install the drivers form the link below:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/yjemopx5ztmrov4/TouchpanelSMK.zip
There are 2 version, the first support windows xp and 7 and the second support win2000/xp/vista and 7.

Drivers From Microsoft:
The driver I found only available Via Microsoft update catalog and Only for Windows XP. There are no Windows Vista or Windows 7 Drivers.

Here is the link for the Windows XP Driver:
http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=smk

Please open the link using INTERNET EXPLORER.

You will see 3-4 drivers on the list, select only drivers tahat compatible with windows XP. To download click add and View basket. After that select download. After download finish, you will have the drivers in CAB (cabinet file format), you can extract the drivers using Winrar software.

Installation:
You will find ttabctrl.exe in the extracted driver folder. Now one of the method you can use windows XP driver for windows 7 is by installing it in compatibility mode read here).

HP Pavillion dv6700 Windows XP/Vista/7/8 Drivers

If you look at the HP support site, they only list Windows Vista Drivers for This Model. So if you plan to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 or downgrade it to Windows XP here is the drivers you will need.

Which Driver need to be Installed?
Install all drivers according to the order, for windows 7 band windows 8/8.1, some of the drivers automatically installed so you can check which driver you need here.

Where do I get this drivers?
For windows Vista it is from HP website, for windows xp 7 and 8, it is either form HP or the Device Vendor such as Intel. Even HP does not list windows xp and 7 driver in their support site, the driver is available on their database.

Windows 32-bit and 64-bit
All driver is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit unless if there are separate driver needed, I will list it separately. Note that x86 is 32-bit and x64 is 64-bit. (How to check 32 or 64-bitc - read here)


Chipset
Intel Chipset installation Utility
(adds support for system software management - SSM win Vista)
Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1

Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio
(Windows XP/7/8/8.1 you must agree to the T&C before Downloading)
Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7/8/8.1


Graphic Drivers  - Read First
There are 2 available graphic drivers for this model, you need to choose one base on your specification. If you does not know which driver to choose, you can see the specification on the small sticker on the left side of your touchpad.

Graphics
Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Family Video Driver
Windows XP | Windows XP x64 | Windows Vista x86 | Windows 7 x86 | Windows 7 x64 | Windows 8/8.1

Graphics
Nvidia GeForce Series Drivers (8400 GS and supported Graphics)
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 x86 | Windows 7 x64 | Windows 8/8.1 x32 | Windows 8/8.1 x64


Touchpad
Synaptic Touchpad Driver
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1

Mouse and Keyboard
HP QuickLaunch Button
(This version Fix scroll wheel for Volume if it does not working correctly) 
Windows XP/Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1

Modem
Motorola SM56 Soft Data Fax Modem Driver
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1 - use win7 driver

Wireless Drivers  - Read First
There are 2 available wireless drivers for this model, you need to choose one base on your specification. If you does not know which driver to choose, you can test which work for you. The best way to identify your wireless is by using Hardware ID Identification Method which you can read here.

Wireless
Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers for Microsoft Windows
(Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5300,5100, 4965 Intel PRO/Wireless 3945)
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 |
Windows 8/8.1 : Automatically installed, if you have problems to connect uninstall current driver in device manager and install windows 7 driver in compatibility mode.

Wireless
Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver for Microsoft Windows
(Support - Broadcom 802.11 a/b/g WLAN, Broadcom 4321AG 802.11a/b/g/draft-n Wi-Fi Adapter )
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7
Windows 8/8.1 : Automatically installed, if you have problems to connect uninstall current driver in device manager and install windows 7 driver in compatibility mode.

LAN - Ethernet
Realtek RTL8101 Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.0)
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7/8/8.1  

Bluetooth
Software Support for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1 

Storage
Intel Matrix Storage Manager
Windows XP/Vista  | Windows 7 | not applicable for Windows 8/8.1 

Card Reader
Ricoh 5-1 card Reader Driver
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1 - use windows 7 driver

Fingerprint Driver
Authentec AES 2501 Fingerprint Driver
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1 - use winVista/7 driver

Fingerprint Software
Digital Persona Fingerprint Software
(Make sure to install Fingerprint Driver First)
Windows XP - not applicable (no xp version released) - you need to purchase third party software.
Windows Vista/7 x86  | Windows Vista/7x64 | Windows 8/8.1 - use winVista/7 software

Webcam
Cyberlink Youcam Software
Windows XP | Windows Vista  | Windows 7 | Windows 8/8.1 
In case you need the driver for XP : Download (by default the driver automatically installed)

QuickTouch
HP QuickTouch Software
(Provide on-screen Visual and Sound when adjusting Notebook Volume)
Windows Vista  | Windows 7 - you can only use 3RVX 
Windows XP/8 : Not applicable (no xp and 8 version released) and no tweak to make it work yet.

If you have problems regarding the drivers, do let me know in the comments section below.