Can I update drivers for free

pabscars · 04-09-2010, 19:01

Hi Peeps, Having never done this before I would like a little guidance if possible on how to update device drivers for free on my wife's acer aspire one netbook, Intel Atom inside running windows vista basic.

So far I've managed to download numerous free utilities all telling I have outdated drivers of which I will list below, but in order to download them I have to pay X amount of dollars.

1. Apparently I need to update the Atheros AR5007EG wireless network adapter from version 7.6.1.194 to 7.7.0.449

2. Realtek RTL 8102/8103 Family PCI-E FE NIC from 6.221.424.2009 to 6,236,0322.2010

3. Realtek High Definition audio drivers

4. Intel (R) Graphics Media Accelerator 500 (out of date)

I have set windows to update automatically which took ruddy ages, I,m just too much of a noob to know how to find the relevant drivers for nowt.

I've been Googling for hours trying to find them but I just get directed to free utilities that want to charge for the privilege so if its at all possible could some kind soul point me in the right direction.

Halcyon · 04-09-2010, 19:07

Simply go to the website here:
http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/downloads_gd.html

Choose your laptop model number....Choose netbook, then Aspire One, then your model number.

They should have everything you need there. Download them and then run each one to install the updated driver.

Wayfair · 04-09-2010, 19:09

I have used this on a few systems pabscars,

Free and real easy to use.

http://www.devicedoctor.com

pabscars · 04-09-2010, 19:12

Big thanks Hal, I hope its that simple

, will let you know how I get on

---------- Post added at 19:12 ---------- Previous post was at 19:09 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayfair

I have used this on a few systems pabscars,

Free and real easy to use.

http://www.devicedoctor.com

Yes this is one of the ones I ran but it took me through all the checks and told me which drivers I needed then said I had to subscribe and pay X amount before I could proceed, so I came out of it.

Only because I,m a tight git and dont want to pay if I can avoid it.

Thanks dude

Wayfair · 04-09-2010, 19:13

Odd, I have never paid for any drivers it's pointed me to.

Lemme check..

Edit:

Just downloaded a keyboard driver it wanted me to update, all free..

Edit: me again, and Audio_Realtek_6.0.1.5942_W7x64_A.zip downloaded for free.

haydnwalker · 04-09-2010, 19:13

Pabscars: You should NEVER need to pay for device drivers. The best place to go is always the device manufacturers website

pabscars · 04-09-2010, 19:14

Just had a quick look and I may have been incorrect as the device doctor site doesn't look familiar, I'm about to tuck into my tea but will double check shortly after

cheers

superbiatch · 04-09-2010, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabscars

Hi Peeps, Having never done this before I would like a little guidance if possible on how to update device drivers for free on my wife's acer aspire one netbook, Intel Atom inside running windows vista basic.

So far I've managed to download numerous free utilities all telling I have outdated drivers of which I will list below, but in order to download them I have to pay X amount of dollars.

1. Apparently I need to update the Atheros AR5007EG wireless network adapter from version 7.6.1.194 to 7.7.0.449

2. Realtek RTL 8102/8103 Family PCI-E FE NIC from 6.221.424.2009 to 6,236,0322.2010

3. Realtek High Definition audio drivers

4. Intel (R) Graphics Media Accelerator 500 (out of date)

I have set windows to update automatically which took ruddy ages, I,m just too much of a noob to know how to find the relevant drivers for nowt.

I've been Googling for hours trying to find them but I just get directed to free utilities that want to charge for the privilege so if its at all possible could some kind soul point me in the right direction.

I've asked the birthday bunny to bring me one of these as Sainsburys have this on offer http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop...p#BVRRWidgetID

How do you rate it generally?

pabscars · 04-09-2010, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I've asked the birthday bunny to bring me one of these as Sainsburys have this on offer http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop...p#BVRRWidgetID

How do you rate it generally?

Its a cracking little unit and the battery on this one lasts upto 8 hours, the processing speed is tiny but for general web browsing and downloading its spot on.

the only drawback for her in doors is the fact it doesnt play her games on facebook

quick enough to allow a high score on things like bejewelled, compared to her laptop.

Which means its free for me to use most of the time.

---------- Post added at 19:37 ---------- Previous post was at 19:33 ----------

Superbiatch just checked the link and its not the same as the one I got the Mrs, this has got 2 gig of ram, 250GB hd, and has a 11.6" screen which I wouldnt recommend going any smaller than, only other draw back with this one is no CD drive but I can live without that.

superbiatch · 04-09-2010, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabscars

Superbiatch just checked the link and its not the same as the one I got the Mrs, this has got 2 gig of ram, 250GB hd, and has a 11.6" screen which I wouldnt recommend going any smaller than, only other draw back with this one is no CD drive but I can live without that.

I'm afraid my price range <£250 won't stretch any further, but i've currently got an EEE PC 900 and apart from a hardware fault, its been 100% usable so i think i'll manage with 1GB.

My current one also has a 9" screen, so this one is bigger

pabscars · 04-09-2010, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I'm afraid my price range <£250 won't stretch any further, but i've currently got an EEE PC 900 and apart from a hardware fault, its been 100% usable so i think i'll manage with 1GB.

My current one also has a 9" screen, so this one is bigger

No probs but I only paid £250 for this one off Amazon, it took a bit of finding and it was only this price because its red.

superbiatch · 05-09-2010, 01:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabscars

No probs but I only paid £250 for this one off Amazon, it took a bit of finding and it was only this price because its red.

I shall look around very carefully to find a bargain

Lord Nikon · 05-09-2010, 01:19

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/ASUS_...9S/version.asp

pabscars · 05-09-2010, 12:12

Ok guys and gals, Ive downloaded 6 driver updates, downloaded and extracted to a file on my desktop. Do I need to do anything else or is that it.

Apologies if this is pretty basic stuff but I just don't know.

The only driver to automatically walk me through the install and require me to reboot was a keyboard driver but AFAIK that was the only one, so potentially I have 5 more to install.

All help greatly appreciated

---------- Post added at 12:12 ---------- Previous post was at 12:08 ----------

Sorry I forgot to ask, do I need to be in administrator for the other 5 to install, only Ive just checked by running device doctor again and it says Ive still got 5 updates to load, even though Ive already downloaded them

**Stuart** · 05-09-2010, 12:19

You do need to be an administrator..

Also, do any of the drivers come with a setup.exe file? If they do, run that.