How can I identify and remove duplicate drivers?

Hi,

Try these steps and let us know the status.

1.      Press Windows key + R to get the run window.

2.      Type devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager.

3.      Choose View, Show Hidden Devices.

4.      The new instance of Device Manager now shows “ghosted” entries for

devices that were once present.

This technique is especially useful for fixing problems caused

by leftover drivers. Right click on it and delete the ghosted device.

Reply with the status to assist you further.

I bought a driver update program which turned out to be inferior. As a result, I think multiple duplicate drivers were installed. This is affecting my internet speed and YouTube videos are freezing. How can I  identify and remove duplicate drivers?

You probably have the wrong drivers installed by this updater program. You don't need a driver updater program. Uninstall the program and manually do a search for the correct drivers for your system by either visiting your computer manufacturer's drivers and support website, or the motherboard manufacturers site.

If you need help, post the make and model number of your computer in your next reply, and I will point you in the right direction.

I bought a driver update program which turned out to be inferior. As a result, I think multiple duplicate drivers were installed. This is affecting my internet speed and YouTube videos are freezing. How can I  identify and remove duplicate drivers?

See XP Rocks's reply, and let me add the following:

He says "You don't need a driver updater program." I'll be even stronger: you should avoid them; they are more likely to cause a problem than to help you.

Thanks for the reply. after I click to show hidden devices, how do I tell which devices are ghosts and where do I right click?

I don't know what the duplicates are or if there are even any duplicates installed for that matter. What I can suggest is that you open device manager and navigate to the malfunctioning sound device, and completely uninstall it. Do not reboot but instead, follow the steps that are appropriate for your scenario in the link below.

**Note** Make sure you have the drivers you want to install, downloaded and saved to a directory that you can remember or have the driver disk handy when prompted for it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/99402-driver-install-add-hardware-wizard.html

Good luck