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    Software to detect hardware

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by mintz, Oct 13, 2007.

  1. mintz

    mintz Newbie

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    Is there a software you can run to detect the hardware devices you have in your PC?

    I want to format my hard drive and at times I am not sure what drivers I need to download so I end up downloading some drivers that are not needed from the dell web site.

    How do you know what drivers you need before you format your drive?

    Is there software you can run that will tell you what you have inside your PC?

    Thank you
     
    mintz, Oct 13, 2007
    #1
  2. John B

    John B Notebook Prophet

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    Astra32 and Hwinfo32
     
    John B, Oct 13, 2007
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  3. Eleison

    Eleison Thanatos Eleison

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    If it's notebook, chances are that you will need all the drivers on your notebook's support page, anyway, unless there are optional components like Bluetooth or a TV Tuner.
     
    Eleison, Oct 13, 2007
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  4. deadsimple

    deadsimple Notebook Consultant

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    You'll probably find that commercial products aren't the best recommendations when one wants a quick program to do something just once-off or occasionally :) (trial versions prevent you from using the program later)

    I use PC Wizard. Free and maintained by the CPU-Z guys:

    http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php
     
    deadsimple, Oct 13, 2007
    #4
  5. Peter Komar

    Peter Komar Notebook Enthusiast

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    http://www.gtopala.com/
    This software is free and it will tell you everything you need to know about your comp.
     
    Peter Komar, Oct 13, 2007
    #5
  6. John B

    John B Notebook Prophet

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    John B, Oct 13, 2007
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  7. L.Rawlins

    L.Rawlins Notebook Evangelist

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    I use the Device Manager. Not free (technically) but it does come with Windows. :p
     
    L.Rawlins, Oct 13, 2007
    #7