Should I use HP softpaq to get drivers on a fresh install of XP?

[swee'pea99]

Ok, I finally gave up on the laptop...it was just totally flakey, the last straw being when it couldn't even see the DVD drive...so I bit the bullet and re-installed XP from CD (having borrowed a USB CD from a friend). It worked. SFSG.

So now I'm looking at the 8 or 9 little yellow ?s in device manager, and wondering whether to start downloading the drivers one by one (which I know from past experience is a bit of a mare), or whether to download softpaq manager and let it get on with it. I'm tempted to at least try, on the basis that if it all goes tits up I can always reformat and start again. But I'm interested if anyone has any thoughts/related experience.

 

[Kies]

www.hp.com/support

Drill down using your model number and specific OS version

It should give you BIOS firmware and drivers.


Don't ask me why I know so much about HP laptops, servers and SAN arrays

 

[swee'pea99]

Hmmm...thanks for responding, but I know I can do it that way...it's just that it can be a right faff, and having a program that directly interrogates the computer and identifies the drivers it needs seems like a good idea...if it works. Have you come across the whole softpaq experience? http://h20331.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/cache/509658-0-0-225-121.html

 

[swee'pea99]

If you go to the XP/nc6220 drivers page (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...esId=447371&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=1093) there's about 50 different drivers. For just one example, the wireless needs a driver - there's six different 'wireless' options...I have no idea which is the one I need.

 

[Markymark]

Did you look to see if you could do a Factory Settings reboot? Re-installing Windows may have still left the part of the drive allocated for this as it will solve all your driver issues. Usually it's some key opressing at bootup giving you the option.

 

[Kies]

Hmmm...thanks for responding, but I know I can do it that way...it's just that it can be a right faff, and having a program that directly interrogates the computer and identifies the drivers it needs seems like a good idea...if it works. Have you come across the whole softpaq experience? http://h20331.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/cache/509658-0-0-225-121.html

I see the softpaq method when replacing server system boards. It keeps the various firmware files on the daughter cards (e.g NIC ) at a tested version in relation to the BIOS. We used to call them f/w bundles in the Compaq days.
With laptops I tend to download all the options and then work my way backwards (date order, new first).
It isn't the best way, but the only way I know

 

[Edge705]

IMO just download the network driver first (I know there will be quite a few) you need to pick the one closest to your model number even if you get it wrong it doesn't matter try the next one. after that use the auto detect active x utility and let it update the drivers automatically.

Assuming you ensure your laptop is windows updated and av/firewall installed before doing the driver updates.

Alternatively as Kies said work your way through the softpaq's individualy, takes time though as you already know

 

[Acyclo]

Hmmm, XP is end-of-life, perhaps try something a bit different, I'm trying Mint Linux Cinnamon. It depends on what you do of course, MS Office is the usual sticking point, but maybe give it a try. In all likelihood you won't have driver issues.

 

[accountantpete]

Hmmm, XP is end-of-life, perhaps try something a bit different, I'm trying Mint Linux Cinnamon. It depends on what you do of course, MS Office is the usual sticking point, but maybe give it a try. In all likelihood you won't have driver issues.

I'd second that.

XP goes unsupported in 6 months time and unless you are going to Windows 7/8 I'd be looking at getting used to Linux based alternatives.

I'm on Ubuntu 13.04 and for general web use (browsing,watching video's) and some office stuff it's just as good as Windows.