Whomever originally posted this, I can't get your original posts. All of these ID programs like SANDRA, AIDA32, and host of others mentioned never do give ACCURATE information. They will leave off a letter or number, or, add a letter or number, which can mean a HUGE difference in the driver(s) required. The *ONLY* way to be **SURE**, is to open up the PC and get the model #'s off of the parts.
Model #'s for mobo's will be in any of the following places: silk-screened on the component side around the CPU socket/slot, or around the AGP slot, or around the first PCI slot, or around the LAST slot, be it PCI or ISA. Also, maybe on a sticker in these locations, or the sticker may be stuck to the same PCI/ISA slots listed above. Still, a sticker on the very edge of the mobo, could be any of the 4 edges but it's usually close to the battery. Rarely you'll find it on the non-component side. As far as cards: like a mobo it can either be silk-screened or a sticker. If a sticker, it can be on either side of the card, but the silk-screening method is usually on the component side. You can usually find out current driver versions by going to each piece of hardware's appropriate area in the Device Manager. This is the most accurate. There are some programs out there like "Driver Genius" (which is better than "My Drivers") that will also BACKUP every single installed driver or any number of drivers you select, to a selected location. They can also be restored in the same method. The problem with these types of programs is they are also not always accurate in not only telling you what driver versions you have installed, but to a greater point they also have some type of "update wizard" that searches for newer drivers, and they don't always get you the CORRECT driver(s). The bottom line is there is no real substitution for "detective work" if necessary. Getting in the PC or finding the manuals to get the exact model #'s, then having to search for the drivers, is the only way to be absolutely **positive** you are getting the correct drivers. This of course can be very time consuming, and is worth a charge premium. This is why PC users MUST ALWAYS SAVE their original manuals and CD's. The CD's, so that's another method of finding current driver versions if need be, and the manuals so newer drivers can be located if need be. Note that sometimes saving the manuals and CD's won't always do the trick, but it can help in many cases. It won't help with name brand PC's that don't give you the separate manuals for each piece of hardware, or the CD for each piece of hardware. Which of course brings us back to the again to the "bottom line" above. :-) This touches on another area of what if they are name brand PC's, which can be a BIG problem. Usually manufacturers of name brand PC's use proprietary mobo's and cards which many times need THEIR OWN proprietary drivers from the PC maker since the hardware can, and will in many cases differ from the retail version of the product. When you go these websites to find drivers, they will not always work with the piece of hardware in the name brand PC. -Clint God Bless Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com ) http://ComputersCustomBuilt.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Meir Cahal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes there is it's a program called "About Computer" I have it on my disk on key just double click the icon and it gives you all the information you need, If you have a problem locating it, Email me and I will send you a copy. Meir TNR Computer Solutions I often have to format computers whose drivers Cds are lost or misplaced. Without opening up the computer, is there anyway I can find out he make of the motherboards and other hardware. As Window 98 does not install some drivers automatically it becomes very difficult for me to install these drivers. Sometimes even after opening up the computer cover it is not possible to find out the hardware configuration. ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
