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critical error drivers

Anonymous
2010-01-03T09:03:05+00:00

Vista is set to automatically download any new updates. It scans and reports "No new updates found" but, there is a list of 24 system error messages about "Kernel Drivers" which states "error control CRITICIAL" Can you advise why it doesn't show that I need updates?

And also, I found a file in" Software environment- system driver configuration- Under Driver version it states "Legacy Driver" in Device ID it gives the Root path but the Device Class, Manufacture, Inf Name, Driver Name it states "Not Available".

Ladylalae

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-01-03T13:40:10+00:00

It sounds like you've been installing drivers from Windows Update which isn't a good idea. You should probably reinstall/update your drivers from the correct source and then leave them alone. Set Windows Update to download and inform you when updates are ready instead of leaving the installation set to automatic. Then look at what the updates are and don't install drivers. See the general information below.

The First Law of Driver Updates is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Normally if everything is working you want to leave things as they are. The exception is that heavy-duty gamers will usually want to update their video and sound drivers to squeeze every last bit of performance out of the hardware to get the fastest frame rates. If you're not one of those people, you don't need to update your drivers if there are no problems you are trying to solve.

Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:

  1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
  2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
  3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

  1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
  2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway)
  3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc Advisor or System Information for Windows.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor

http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows

MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

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