cf18 drivers for video hardware + intel 2200 card

Intel's driver check function says that my CF18's Xp device drivers for the video hardware and the 2200BG wi-fi card are out of date. There are quite newer versions listed.

Are there Panasonic-specific drivers for these devices or can I use the ones supplied by Intel?

Reason I ask is that I tried to run the Second Life application and it flashed up this error:

"Second Life is unable to run because your video card drivers did not install properly, are out of date, or are for unsupported hardware... etc."

So I am wondering if the old version of the video hardware driver is causing the problem.

Craig.

 

Craig -

Look in your device Manager; if there are no yellow exclamation flags, then you have the correct OEM drivers installed correctly.

I've never been a fan of Intel's driver check app (Or any OTHER similar app); it encourages non-technical people to go changing driver software that is working perfectly and may have other software dependencies for newer drivers which may NOT provide support needed for those dependent software.

That said; you are having an issue with your system that a driver update MIGHT fix. In my experience, this is a SMALL chance, but hey... why not go for it? Just make sure you set a system restore point before you do the update, and make sure you download the latest driver package DIRECT FROM INTEL (Your Driver Check app should do this for you, but watch it to make sure).

As for looking for drivers from Panasonic - use common sense. Some things like the touchscreen drivers are OBVIOUSLY going to be somewhat proprietary. But Video and Network? Feh - the latest drivers from the chipset MFR are probably going to be your best bet. As long as you set a system restore point before EACH CHANGE and only update drivers for one device at a time, you should be safe.

My suspicion in your case is that you're running up against the infamous Intel 915 chipset bug; it only supports up to DirectX 9, while many graphics-intensive software (including Windows 7's Aero interface) are now demanding DirectX 10. If this is the case, your only solution is going to be a hardware upgrade.

mnem
Would you like fried ball-bearings with that?

 

Ok the drivers were genuine Intel ones, so no prob with fakery there. I have installed the new video hardware driver and SL now runs without a problem however it's giving me a warning about min system requirements when it starts up.

So glad the vid hardware driver update sorted that out.

Craig.

 

And with Mnem being a whole lot smarter than me in this area.... Let me just say this... I agree with the instant check thing except as a last resort... Most of the time they do more harm than good. HOWEVER.... I have had several customers call me with BSOD errors relating to Intel BG cards.... Apparently M$ had an upgrade that screwed up some of the Intel cards.... They had to upgrade the Intel drivers to stop the BSOD.....