Windows XP Drivers
Regardless of the operating system that you’re using, you have to update the drivers regularly. Drivers that are made for Windows XP are produced to improve overall system performance and reliability.
Some of the benefits of update drivers include application compatibility and better performance. Updated drivers can also eliminate system errors and inefficient drivers.
When you have to update a driver, be certain that you are only installing certified or valid versions and not the beta versions that can easily be found out there. They often times are not well programmed or contain issues because they are still in development.
Be sure to pick the right drivers for your PC. You might have to locate specific drivers that are made only to fit your model of computer, and nothing else.
Windows Update and Certified Microsoft Drivers
You’ll be able to locate the drivers which are certified by visiting the Windows Updates area. Be wary though as the drivers may not always be up to date.
You should always allow the Windows update process to run automatically on your computer as this will keep your system up to date at all times. You can also check the manufacturer website for the latest and greatest driver updates if you don’t find any through the normal Windows updated process.
DirectX Update
Update your DirectX before you got through with installing new drivers. You can see if you have the latest version by going to the Dxdiag tool on your computer. You will find the version number under the system tab. You should see DirectX 9.0c as the latest version in your installation.
Identifying Hardware
You’ll have to know who made the device if you want to get the latest drivers. If you can’t seem to find the manufacturer information, then you can use the system info utility to locate that data.
The system information utility will help you identify your hardware so you can try and locate the proper drivers to get your device working properly. There are a number of drivers that you need, one from each section below.
Device Utilities
You can use certain tools to locate the information needed to properly identify your hardware devices so you can locate the drivers that you need. They will also tell you which drivers you currently have for those devices, and also get you the information about your video card and GPU.
Driver Types:
Chipset Drivers
All of the relevant drivers will be updated upon the installation of new chipset drivers. This types of drivers can help increase PC stability, performance, and compatibility with the other devices of the PC.
You have to install chipset drivers before the other drivers so they work properly, are stable, and are compatible with all other components.
Video Drivers
Video cards all you to view graphics on your computer. If you want to maintain high quality graphics, you’ll have to keep your video drivers updated.
Sound Drivers
If you want to be able to hear sound from your computer through the speakers that you computer has, then you have to have a sound card which can translate the audio data that is produced by your PC into actual sound that the human ear can hear.
Network Drivers
If you want to connect to the internet, you have to have a network card installed, whether it be a local access network, or a wireless access network. You want to keep these components up to date to ensure proper access to the internet at all times.
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