Advice before installing Windows XP SP2

I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows XP SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing SP2. I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the "If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is aware of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire to install SP2 on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no security issues, which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a hardware and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software. and I never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would want to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows XP SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing SP2. I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the "If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is aware of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

From a few of the reviews I've read on SP2, XP is broke and SP2 can't
fix the key problems in XP security. After all the delays and debate and
apparently despite MS best efforts, the key issue remains, XP is not fully
secure.

KC

"HH" wrote in message
...
Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire to install SP2
on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no security issues,
which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a hardware and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software. and I never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would want to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows XP SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing SP2. I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the "If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is aware of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

HH,
Thanks for your comments. I still would like to know if anyone
has tried
any of the hardware driver updates I listed with either good or
bad results.
(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"HH" wrote in message
...
Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire to
install SP2 on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no security
issues, which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a hardware
and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software. and I
never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would want
to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it
ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows XP
SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD
Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD
Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to
Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System
Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't
observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't
seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing SP2.
I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the
"If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is aware
of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

I applied all of the driver and other updates available through Windows
Update as they were released. That includes the Agere Win Modem 12/12/03,
VIA Technologies multimedia (4/23/04 3/17/04 2/11/04 12/19/2003 10/20/2003),
S3 Graphics display 3/2/04, AMD processor 12/17/02. No problems on my Compaq
Presario S4020WM with Windows XP Home (SP1). The only thing special I did
before installing SP2 was to install the recent System Restore update
available from the Compaq/HP website, so that prior restore points would
still work if needed. Then I applied the SP2 update yesterday using the free
CD from Staples. No problems.

I went to great pains to totally disable all software before running the SP2
update, including my firewall and anti-virus. I don't know if that was
necessary but didn't want to take chances.

Note: apparently the 12/12/03 Agere modem update put a new item in my
msconfig startup list "LTMSG.EXE" which I worried about for awhile, but
believe it's probably OK. I tried turning it off, and my connection
throughput speed was poor. Then turned it back on, and things are normal
again. That's not proven absolutely, just a one time observation and some
assumptions. I try not to keep any startup items unless their value is
proven, but of course there are uncertainties about some of them.
-E


"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
HH,
Thanks for your comments. I still would like to know if anyone
has tried
any of the hardware driver updates I listed with either good or
bad results.
(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"HH" wrote in message
...
Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire to
install SP2 on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no security
issues, which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a hardware
and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software. and I
never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would want
to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it
ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows XP
SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD
Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD
Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to
Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System
Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't
observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't
seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing SP2.
I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the
"If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7 Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is aware
of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

Euclid,
Thanks for the information. I believe your machine is a close
cousin
to mine, so I will try installing most of the driver updates. I
may skip
the modem one, since we have cable high-speed internet and
rarely
use the modems.
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"Euclid" wrote in message
nk.net...
I applied all of the driver and other updates available
through Windows
Update as they were released. That includes the Agere Win
Modem 12/12/03,
VIA Technologies multimedia (4/23/04 3/17/04 2/11/04
12/19/2003 10/20/2003),
S3 Graphics display 3/2/04, AMD processor 12/17/02. No
problems on my Compaq
Presario S4020WM with Windows XP Home (SP1). The only thing
special I did
before installing SP2 was to install the recent System Restore
update
available from the Compaq/HP website, so that prior restore
points would
still work if needed. Then I applied the SP2 update yesterday
using the free
CD from Staples. No problems.

I went to great pains to totally disable all software before
running the SP2
update, including my firewall and anti-virus. I don't know if
that was
necessary but didn't want to take chances.

Note: apparently the 12/12/03 Agere modem update put a new
item in my
msconfig startup list "LTMSG.EXE" which I worried about for
awhile, but
believe it's probably OK. I tried turning it off, and my
connection
throughput speed was poor. Then turned it back on, and things
are normal
again. That's not proven absolutely, just a one time
observation and some
assumptions. I try not to keep any startup items unless their
value is
proven, but of course there are uncertainties about some of
them.
-E


"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
HH,
Thanks for your comments. I still would like to know if
anyone
has tried
any of the hardware driver updates I listed with either good
or
bad results.
(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7
Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"HH" wrote in message
...
Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire
to
install SP2 on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no
security
issues, which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a
hardware
and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software.
and I
never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would
want
to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it
ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows
XP
SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD
Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD
Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to
Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System
Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver
Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't
observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't
seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing
SP2.
I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the
"If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7
Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is
aware
of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers
or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
Euclid,
Thanks for the information. I believe your machine is a close
cousin
to mine, so I will try installing most of the driver updates. I
may skip
the modem one, since we have cable high-speed internet and
rarely
use the modems.
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"Euclid" wrote in message
nk.net...
I applied all of the driver and other updates available
through Windows
Update as they were released. That includes the Agere Win
Modem 12/12/03,
VIA Technologies multimedia (4/23/04 3/17/04 2/11/04
12/19/2003 10/20/2003),
S3 Graphics display 3/2/04, AMD processor 12/17/02. No
problems on my Compaq
Presario S4020WM with Windows XP Home (SP1). The only thing
special I did
before installing SP2 was to install the recent System Restore
update
available from the Compaq/HP website, so that prior restore
points would
still work if needed. Then I applied the SP2 update yesterday
using the free
CD from Staples. No problems.

I went to great pains to totally disable all software before
running the SP2
update, including my firewall and anti-virus. I don't know if
that was
necessary but didn't want to take chances.

Note: apparently the 12/12/03 Agere modem update put a new
item in my
msconfig startup list "LTMSG.EXE" which I worried about for
awhile, but
believe it's probably OK. I tried turning it off, and my
connection
throughput speed was poor. Then turned it back on, and things
are normal
again. That's not proven absolutely, just a one time
observation and some
assumptions. I try not to keep any startup items unless their
value is
proven, but of course there are uncertainties about some of
them.
-E


"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
HH,
Thanks for your comments. I still would like to know if
anyone
has tried
any of the hardware driver updates I listed with either good
or
bad results.
(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7
Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)
--
Ken Wampach - FirstNameLastNameATyahooDOTcom

"HH" wrote in message
...
Ken,
I cannot speak for others, but right now, I have no desire
to
install SP2 on
my Presario S5200CL, an Athlon XP 2600+. I've had no
security
issues, which
is the prime reason MS rolled out SP2. I run both a
hardware
and software
firewall, plus a virus shield and anti-spyware software.
and I
never open
e-mail unless it is scanned first.
That said, there may be a time in the future when I would
want
to install
SP2.
But, most uimportantly, I'm a firm believer in the "If it
ain't broke...."
adage.
HH

"Ken Wampach" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice prior to installing the Windows
XP
SP2
service pack.

I have 2 Compaq Desktops
#1 Compaq Presario S3010CL-B (Sam's Club 7/3/2003) AMD
Athlon XP
2200+
#2 Compaq Presario S5000J (Compaq Direct 9/13/2003) AMD
Athlon
XP 2400+

The machines are Windowx XP SP1 with all Critical Updates
installed.

I visited the Compaq website and found the "HP and Compaq
Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to
Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2" document. I did the "System
Restore
Update". I also did the "Multimedia Keyboard Driver
Update",
even though I did not think it was necessary. I haven't
observed
any changes in the machines from that one. The rest don't
seem
to apply to my machines.

They did recommend updating drivers prior to installing
SP2.
I
have been puting off the following driver updates, on the
"If it
ain't broke, don't fix it" theory:

(1)Microsoft Corporation - Other Hardware - AMD K7
Processor
(Pub:5/15/04 Rel:12/17/02)
(2)Agere Systems - Modems - Agere Win Modem (Pub:8/10/04
Rel:12/12/03)
(3)Windows XP Driver 5.10.0.5410 for Realtec AC 97 Audio
(KB833846 Pub:6/4/2004)
(4)S3 Graphics, Inc. - Video - S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
(Pub:5/17/04 Rel:3/2/04)
(5)VIA Technologies Inc. - Networking - VIA Rhine II Fast
Ethernet Adapter (Pub:8/3/04 Rel:7/22/04)

I guess I will finally install them, unless someone is
aware
of
a reason not to.

Does anyone have any warnings about any of these drivers
or
Windows XP SP2 on these machines?

TIA
--
Ken Wampach - LastNameATeskimoDOTcom







Always decline any driver updates offered by Windows Update. Check with
Compaq support if you see a driver update. There are far too many
problems reported with these WU drivers. Some are applicable as
advertised, many are not. Those who do use the WU drivers often report
significant problems.

Drivers are not the main issue with SP2. IMO, from the reports of
problems on the microsoft news servers, the source is failing to clean
up computers prior to installation. Complete virus scan from Safe Mode.
Complete Disk Cleanup. Defrag. If the folder i386 exists on the
computer or you have a true XP install CD (not a restore CD), then run
sfc /scannow from a command prompt to verify all existing files for
backup during the installation. Clear out old system restore points and
make a final SP1 restore point. Back up personal files. Before
installing check your vendor for driver updates. Before installing,
disable all background programs except for anti-virus and firewall.
Disable these also and disconnect from the internet if installing from a
local SP2 update file. Disconnect peripheral devices like printers and
USB devices before the install.

If the SP2 install fails, do not use system restore before trying
Add/Remove programs to remove SP2.

Q

Always decline any driver updates offered by Windows Update. Check with
Compaq support if you see a driver update. There are far too many
problems reported with these WU drivers. Some are applicable as
advertised, many are not. Those who do use the WU drivers often report
significant problems.

I've heard this same advice from other respected experts, however... I've
installed all of the WU driver updates offered for my Compaq Presario
S4020WM since I bought it a year ago at Walmart. No problems so far. It's a
really convenient method, and personally I tend to trust Microsoft more than
Compaq/HP in such regards.

Microsoft only offers selected driver updates, presumably only those that
interact with their Windows op system and office products. Most driver
updates have to be obtained elsewhere such as at the Compaq/HP website or
manufacturers websites, and that requires research as well as technical
judgements. A lot of people don't have the time nor ability to keep updated,
so the WU method is easiest.
-E

"Euclid" wrote in message
ink.net...
Always decline any driver updates offered by Windows Update. Check
with Compaq support if you see a driver update. There are far too
many problems reported with these WU drivers. Some are applicable as
advertised, many are not. Those who do use the WU drivers often
report significant problems.

I've heard this same advice from other respected experts, however...
I've installed all of the WU driver updates offered for my Compaq
Presario S4020WM since I bought it a year ago at Walmart. No problems
so far. It's a really convenient method, and personally I tend to
trust Microsoft more than Compaq/HP in such regards.

Microsoft only offers selected driver updates, presumably only those
that interact with their Windows op system and office products. Most
driver updates have to be obtained elsewhere such as at the Compaq/HP
website or manufacturers websites, and that requires research as well
as technical judgements. A lot of people don't have the time nor
ability to keep updated, so the WU method is easiest.
-E



You have been extremely lucky using WU for drivers. The microsoft
support NGs are replete with failed driver updates, many requiring an OS
repair/reinstall to correct. Microsoft does not warrant any driver
update; they supply the function as a convenience to vendors. Microsoft
does not develop the drivers they supply on WU (unless it is a Microsoft
product); the applicability is determined by the developer who might not
have taken any HPAQ proprietary requirements into consideration. HPAQ
is notorious for making OEM mods to their computers which can make the
vendor's driver fail the OS or the device. Get to know the support site
for your computer and check it regularly. Even the Microsoft MVP's
recommend against using WU for driver updates.

Q

I allowed Windows Update to install updated audio drivers on my Presario
S5200CL and the audio started breaking up. Rolling back to the Compaq
supplied Realtek drivers put it right again.
HH

"Quaoar" wrote in message
...

"Euclid" wrote in message
ink.net...
Always decline any driver updates offered by Windows Update. Check
with Compaq support if you see a driver update. There are far too
many problems reported with these WU drivers. Some are applicable as
advertised, many are not. Those who do use the WU drivers often
report significant problems.

I've heard this same advice from other respected experts, however...
I've installed all of the WU driver updates offered for my Compaq
Presario S4020WM since I bought it a year ago at Walmart. No problems
so far. It's a really convenient method, and personally I tend to
trust Microsoft more than Compaq/HP in such regards.

Microsoft only offers selected driver updates, presumably only those
that interact with their Windows op system and office products. Most
driver updates have to be obtained elsewhere such as at the Compaq/HP
website or manufacturers websites, and that requires research as well
as technical judgements. A lot of people don't have the time nor
ability to keep updated, so the WU method is easiest.
-E



You have been extremely lucky using WU for drivers. The microsoft
support NGs are replete with failed driver updates, many requiring an OS
repair/reinstall to correct. Microsoft does not warrant any driver
update; they supply the function as a convenience to vendors. Microsoft
does not develop the drivers they supply on WU (unless it is a Microsoft
product); the applicability is determined by the developer who might not
have taken any HPAQ proprietary requirements into consideration. HPAQ
is notorious for making OEM mods to their computers which can make the
vendor's driver fail the OS or the device. Get to know the support site
for your computer and check it regularly. Even the Microsoft MVP's
recommend against using WU for driver updates.

Q