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    System health check

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by GrassCube, Feb 5, 2012.

  1. GrassCube

    GrassCube Notebook Geek

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    was wondering if there is a free net service or prog that scans the system for issues in hardware and software.
    im not really sure all my drivers are up to date and just wanted to know if there is a way to find hidden hardware problems.
    googled about the software/driver scanner, got too much results wanted to ask someone with experience and about the hardware not even sure there is such a thing.
    sorry for the noob question.
    tnx!
     
    GrassCube, Feb 5, 2012
    #1
  2. NormenKD

    NormenKD Notebook Geek

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    For now, nothing can really replace manual driver search in Windows. There are no centralized databases with automated package managers like in Linux.
    If you really got no clue, you should be fine with current windows updates and all the drivers from the Dell Support (dell.com/support), this should comply for mainstream usage.
    If you want, you can also try Intel® Driver Update Utility . this intel utility uses java and is a good start.

    If you want a "bleeding edge" up-to-date szstem, you have to check the pci strings in the hardware manager from almost every part against this list PCI Vendor and Device Lists and visit the corresponding manufacturers website and search for it manually. Especially Firmware updates are a pain.
     
    NormenKD, Feb 5, 2012
    #2
  3. tommyxv

    tommyxv Notebook Evangelist

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    I manually search for updated drivers too. The Intel utility is hit or miss for me. It will say i am current yet they have two newer version available to dl. LOL
     
    tommyxv, Feb 6, 2012
    #3
  4. GrassCube

    GrassCube Notebook Geek

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    tnx, ill try to figure this out.
     
    GrassCube, Feb 6, 2012
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  5. M11xDude

    M11xDude Notebook Consultant

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    M11xDude, Feb 6, 2012
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  6. GrassCube

    GrassCube Notebook Geek

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    can a faulty audio driver cause the whole comp to freeze up?
     
    GrassCube, Feb 10, 2012
    #6