Driver scanning tool.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Copellia
  • Start date Start date
C

Copellia

Request recommendation for a reliable (proven) driver scanning tool which
will highlight the drivers to be updated.
TIA.
 
There isnt such
Drivers do not need updating unless;
1) they provide greater functionality
2) they cure a bug
 
Thanks for responses.

Well, the functionality of my OS (XP Pro SP2 ) is deteriorating rapidly.

All of a sudden my operating system freezes at erratic intervals and
sometimes 'black flashes' appear on the screen. The HDD is not faulty;
Checked for malware scanning in normal and safe mode and did a HJT - all
okay.

I was wondering if drivers appropriate to the installed motherboard (ASUS
P4V8X-X Rev. 1.03)need to be updated.

On the motherboard support CD for WinXP Pro | Utilities tab is an ASUS
Update V5.22.03, should I click on this link to download updates?

Also, what is the life cycle of the lithium battery (CR 2032) installed to
the motherboard? Could a flat battery be a causing factor?

My Display adapter is NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 4000, v.6.14.10.9371 which I
believe is a current version.

Thank you in advance for taking time considering my request.
 
Looked in Event Viewer for any possible err.msgs?
Motherboard chipset driver updates can be obtained from Asus site
www.memtest.org have a memory testing utility
A failing battery would cause the bios to possibly lose its settings, and
not your probs
 
You should go to the relevant third party site for driver updates not
Windows Updates.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
To add to the list provided by DL

Dust inside the computer casing can cause overheating and result in this
type of error. Take the casing off and use an Air Duster to clean. Also
check that all fans are working.

Insufficient RAM or CPU capacity resulting in excessive use of pagefile.
This can be exacerbated by leaving computer on 24/7.

Faulty power supply unit.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
No, there aren't any error messages in the Event Viewer. I already had
dusted/cleaned the pc very thoroughly and can confirm that the fans are
working. The power supply is OK.

I checked with www.memtest.org for the memory testing utility but am
confused as to which version to download:
Memtest86+ V1.70 (01/14/2007)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)
Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)
Can you assist please?

Also, I don't use my computer 24/7 (3-4hrs max/day).

With respect to the use of pagefile, I did some checks re Performance
Options (current settings).

Processor scheduling:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Memory usage:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Question: Are the settings correct or should they changed to Background
services/System cache?

Virtual Memory:-
Total paging files for all drives: 768 MB

When pressing the Change button the Virtual Memory panel displays the
following:
C: 768 - 1536
D: [Back Up]F:
[Back Up]

Drive: C:
Space available: 14489 MB
[.] Custom Size
Initial size (MB): 768
Maximum size (MB): 1536

Please note: When clicking on to D: [Back UP] and/or F: [Back Up] the
radio button [.] Custom size is DEACTIVATED and the MB boxes are grayed out.
But the radio button [.] No paging file is ACTIVATED.

Question: Should D: and F: drives set similar to C: drive?

Also I use Fast User Switching (from Administrator account to Limited user
account) and am unsure if this has a bearing on virtual memory.

Furthermore: Is it safe (trouble free) to uninstall the below mentioned
drivers and then get M/S to re-install immediately?
USB Human Interface Device, Version 5.1.2600.2180
Plug and Play Monitor, version 5.01.2001
Logical Disk Manager, version 5.1.2600.2180
Generic USB Hub, version 5.1.2600
USB Printing Support
USB Mass Storage Device

TIA
 
Hi Copellia,

I read all the replies. Have you simply, reformatted and reinstalled the
operating system. Also use a Drive or Partition Imaging program, like
Acronis True Image 11 Home, to make a Partition Image when done, so you
don't need to go through this again.

Note: If you are using only Seagate or Maxtor Hard Drive, they have a
free tool that does the same thing, but does not have all the features that
the Brand Name program does.
 
Excessive use of virtual memory. My approach to determining whether
there is excessive use of the pagefile is different to yours.

How much RAM memory?

Try Ctrl+Alt+Delete to select Task Manager and click the Performance
Tab. Under Commit Charge what is the Total, the Limit and the Peak?

You should be able to gather more information from Task Manager. With
the Processes tab open select View, Select, Columns and check the boxes
before Peak Memory Usage and Virtual Memory size. What are the figures
for the 6 processes using the largest amounts?

Do you carry out any graphics or photo editing activities?

Do you shutdown the computer after use or allow it to hibernate?

Open Disk Defragmenter and click on Analyse. Select View Report and
click on Save As and Save. Now find VolumeC.txt in your My Documents
Folder and post a copy. Do this before running Disk Defragmenter as it
is more informative.

A faulty power supply a motherboard are difficult for a home user ( I am
one) to test.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

How old is the computer? I checked the Nvidia site and you would seem to
have the latest drivers. You card is, however, in the Legacy category
FWIW.

You say the hard drive is not faulty. Nevertheless try HD Tune.

Try running HD Tune(freeware).

Download and run it and see what it turns up.
http://www.hdtune.com/

Select the Info tabs and place the cursor on the drive under Drive
letter and then double click the two page icon ( copy to Clipboard )
and copy into a further message.

Select the Health tab and then double click the two page icon ( copy to
Clipboard ) and copy into a further message. You can also do a full
surface scan with HD Tune.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No, there aren't any error messages in the Event Viewer. I already had
dusted/cleaned the pc very thoroughly and can confirm that the fans
are working. The power supply is OK.

I checked with www.memtest.org for the memory testing utility but am
confused as to which version to download:
Memtest86+ V1.70 (01/14/2007)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)
Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)
Can you assist please?

Also, I don't use my computer 24/7 (3-4hrs max/day).

With respect to the use of pagefile, I did some checks re Performance
Options (current settings).

Processor scheduling:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Memory usage:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Question: Are the settings correct or should they changed to
Background services/System cache?

Virtual Memory:-
Total paging files for all drives: 768 MB

When pressing the Change button the Virtual Memory panel displays the
following:
C: 768 - 1536
D: [Back Up]F:
[Back Up]

Drive: C:
Space available: 14489 MB
[.] Custom Size
Initial size (MB): 768
Maximum size (MB): 1536

Please note: When clicking on to D: [Back UP] and/or F: [Back Up]
the radio button [.] Custom size is DEACTIVATED and the MB boxes are
grayed out. But the radio button [.] No paging file is ACTIVATED.

Question: Should D: and F: drives set similar to C: drive?

Also I use Fast User Switching (from Administrator account to Limited
user account) and am unsure if this has a bearing on virtual memory.

Furthermore: Is it safe (trouble free) to uninstall the below
mentioned drivers and then get M/S to re-install immediately?
USB Human Interface Device, Version 5.1.2600.2180
Plug and Play Monitor, version 5.01.2001
Logical Disk Manager, version 5.1.2600.2180
Generic USB Hub, version 5.1.2600
USB Printing Support
USB Mass Storage Device

TIA


Gerry said:
To add to the list provided by DL

Dust inside the computer casing can cause overheating and result in
this type of error. Take the casing off and use an Air Duster to
clean. Also check that all fans are working.

Insufficient RAM or CPU capacity resulting in excessive use of
pagefile. This can be exacerbated by leaving computer on 24/7.

Faulty power supply unit.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
I used the floppy version, because I have a floppy

Copellia said:
No, there aren't any error messages in the Event Viewer. I already had
dusted/cleaned the pc very thoroughly and can confirm that the fans are
working. The power supply is OK.

I checked with www.memtest.org for the memory testing utility but am
confused as to which version to download:
Memtest86+ V1.70 (01/14/2007)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)
Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)
Can you assist please?

Also, I don't use my computer 24/7 (3-4hrs max/day).

With respect to the use of pagefile, I did some checks re Performance
Options (current settings).

Processor scheduling:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Memory usage:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Question: Are the settings correct or should they changed to Background
services/System cache?

Virtual Memory:-
Total paging files for all drives: 768 MB

When pressing the Change button the Virtual Memory panel displays the
following:
C: 768 - 1536
D: [Back Up]F: [Back Up]

Drive: C:
Space available: 14489 MB
[.] Custom Size
Initial size (MB): 768
Maximum size (MB): 1536

Please note: When clicking on to D: [Back UP] and/or F: [Back Up] the
radio button [.] Custom size is DEACTIVATED and the MB boxes are grayed
out.
But the radio button [.] No paging file is ACTIVATED.

Question: Should D: and F: drives set similar to C: drive?

Also I use Fast User Switching (from Administrator account to Limited user
account) and am unsure if this has a bearing on virtual memory.

Furthermore: Is it safe (trouble free) to uninstall the below mentioned
drivers and then get M/S to re-install immediately?
USB Human Interface Device, Version 5.1.2600.2180
Plug and Play Monitor, version 5.01.2001
Logical Disk Manager, version 5.1.2600.2180
Generic USB Hub, version 5.1.2600
USB Printing Support
USB Mass Storage Device

TIA


Gerry said:
To add to the list provided by DL

Dust inside the computer casing can cause overheating and result in this
type of error. Take the casing off and use an Air Duster to clean. Also
check that all fans are working.

Insufficient RAM or CPU capacity resulting in excessive use of pagefile.
This can be exacerbated by leaving computer on 24/7.

Faulty power supply unit.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
In taskmanager the committed charge (K) is:-
Total: (fluctuating) 270780 - 305000++, Limit: 1277428, Peak:418280.

I don't carry any graphics or photo editing activities and always shut down
the computer never using the hibernate function.

I was going to defrag the HDD's today and do so about every three weeks or
so. The pre-defrag reports are at the end of this post.
The computer is exactly 3 years old; The updated NVIDIA driver was
downloaded about 3 or 4 weeks ago.

HD Tune and Memtest86 scans didn't find anything to report - all OK.

30-Dec-07 7:03:32 PM
Pagefile Physical Location: C:\pagefile.sys
Current Pagefile Usage: 44 MB
Session Peak Usage: 44 MB
Current Pagefile Size: 768 MB

XP Page file logs.
29-Dec-07 7:08:13 PM
Pagefile Physical Location: C:\pagefile.sys
Current Pagefile Usage: 103 MB
Session Peak Usage: 104 MB
Current Pagefile Size: 768 MB

Pre-defrag reports.
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 24.41 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 11.00 GB
Free space = 13.41 GB
Percent free space = 54 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 8 %
File fragmentation = 16 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 66,021
Average file size = 269 KB
Total fragmented files = 2,661
Total excess fragments = 12,416
Average fragments per file = 1.18

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 1

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,982
Fragmented folders = 144
Excess folder fragments = 1,131

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 156 MB
MFT record count = 70,198
Percent MFT in use = 43 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

Volume Back UP (D:)
Volume size = 50.11 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 28.24 GB
Free space = 21.87 GB
Percent free space = 43 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 48 %
File fragmentation = 97 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 222
Average file size = 183 MB
Total fragmented files = 2
Total excess fragments = 12
Average fragments per file = 1.05

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 0 bytes
Total fragments = 0

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 33
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 1

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 704 KB
MFT record count = 270
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 2

Volume Backup (F:)
Volume size = 37.27 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 13.25 GB
Free space = 24.02 GB
Percent free space = 64 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 16 %
File fragmentation = 33 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 182
Average file size = 113 MB
Total fragmented files = 3
Total excess fragments = 23
Average fragments per file = 1.12

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 0 bytes
Total fragments = 0

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 17
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 1

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 592 KB
MFT record count = 214
Percent MFT in use = 36 %
Total MFT fragments = 2

If the problem recurs I'll get a new video card.
Best wishes...


Gerry said:
Excessive use of virtual memory. My approach to determining whether there
is excessive use of the pagefile is different to yours.

How much RAM memory?

Try Ctrl+Alt+Delete to select Task Manager and click the Performance
Tab. Under Commit Charge what is the Total, the Limit and the Peak?

You should be able to gather more information from Task Manager. With
the Processes tab open select View, Select, Columns and check the boxes
before Peak Memory Usage and Virtual Memory size. What are the figures
for the 6 processes using the largest amounts?

Do you carry out any graphics or photo editing activities?

Do you shutdown the computer after use or allow it to hibernate?

Open Disk Defragmenter and click on Analyse. Select View Report and
click on Save As and Save. Now find VolumeC.txt in your My Documents
Folder and post a copy. Do this before running Disk Defragmenter as it
is more informative.

A faulty power supply a motherboard are difficult for a home user ( I am
one) to test.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

How old is the computer? I checked the Nvidia site and you would seem to
have the latest drivers. You card is, however, in the Legacy category
FWIW.

You say the hard drive is not faulty. Nevertheless try HD Tune.

Try running HD Tune(freeware).

Download and run it and see what it turns up.
http://www.hdtune.com/

Select the Info tabs and place the cursor on the drive under Drive
letter and then double click the two page icon ( copy to Clipboard )
and copy into a further message.

Select the Health tab and then double click the two page icon ( copy to
Clipboard ) and copy into a further message. You can also do a full
surface scan with HD Tune.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No, there aren't any error messages in the Event Viewer. I already had
dusted/cleaned the pc very thoroughly and can confirm that the fans
are working. The power supply is OK.

I checked with www.memtest.org for the memory testing utility but am
confused as to which version to download:
Memtest86+ V1.70 (01/14/2007)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)
Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)
Can you assist please?

Also, I don't use my computer 24/7 (3-4hrs max/day).

With respect to the use of pagefile, I did some checks re Performance
Options (current settings).

Processor scheduling:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Memory usage:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Question: Are the settings correct or should they changed to
Background services/System cache?

Virtual Memory:-
Total paging files for all drives: 768 MB

When pressing the Change button the Virtual Memory panel displays the
following:
C: 768 - 1536
D: [Back Up]F:
[Back Up]

Drive: C:
Space available: 14489 MB
[.] Custom Size
Initial size (MB): 768
Maximum size (MB): 1536

Please note: When clicking on to D: [Back UP] and/or F: [Back Up] the
radio button [.] Custom size is DEACTIVATED and the MB boxes are
grayed out. But the radio button [.] No paging file is ACTIVATED.

Question: Should D: and F: drives set similar to C: drive?

Also I use Fast User Switching (from Administrator account to Limited
user account) and am unsure if this has a bearing on virtual memory.

Furthermore: Is it safe (trouble free) to uninstall the below
mentioned drivers and then get M/S to re-install immediately?
USB Human Interface Device, Version 5.1.2600.2180
Plug and Play Monitor, version 5.01.2001
Logical Disk Manager, version 5.1.2600.2180
Generic USB Hub, version 5.1.2600
USB Printing Support
USB Mass Storage Device

TIA


Gerry said:
To add to the list provided by DL

Dust inside the computer casing can cause overheating and result in
this type of error. Take the casing off and use an Air Duster to
clean. Also check that all fans are working.

Insufficient RAM or CPU capacity resulting in excessive use of
pagefile. This can be exacerbated by leaving computer on 24/7.

Faulty power supply unit.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DL wrote:
Looked in Event Viewer for any possible err.msgs?
Motherboard chipset driver updates can be obtained from Asus site
www.memtest.org have a memory testing utility
A failing battery would cause the bios to possibly lose its
settings, and not your probs


Thanks for responses.

Well, the functionality of my OS (XP Pro SP2 ) is deteriorating
rapidly. All of a sudden my operating system freezes at erratic
intervals and
sometimes 'black flashes' appear on the screen. The HDD is not
faulty; Checked for malware scanning in normal and safe mode and
did a HJT - all okay.

I was wondering if drivers appropriate to the installed motherboard
(ASUS P4V8X-X Rev. 1.03)need to be updated.

On the motherboard support CD for WinXP Pro | Utilities tab is an
ASUS Update V5.22.03, should I click on this link to download
updates? Also, what is the life cycle of the lithium battery (CR
2032) installed to the motherboard? Could a flat battery be a
causing factor? My Display adapter is NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 4000,
v.6.14.10.9371 which I
believe is a current version.

Thank you in advance for taking time considering my request.


Oh, and do NOT use winupdate for drivers

There isnt such
Drivers do not need updating unless;
1) they provide greater functionality
2) they cure a bug

Request recommendation for a reliable (proven) driver scanning
tool which will highlight the drivers to be updated.
TIA.
 
So did I :-) Pretty nifty application! The scan went flawless with no
errors reported.

DL said:
I used the floppy version, because I have a floppy

Copellia said:
No, there aren't any error messages in the Event Viewer. I already had
dusted/cleaned the pc very thoroughly and can confirm that the fans are
working. The power supply is OK.

I checked with www.memtest.org for the memory testing utility but am
confused as to which version to download:
Memtest86+ V1.70 (01/14/2007)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)
Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)
Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)
Can you assist please?

Also, I don't use my computer 24/7 (3-4hrs max/day).

With respect to the use of pagefile, I did some checks re Performance
Options (current settings).

Processor scheduling:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Memory usage:-
Adjust for best performance of:
[.]Programs

Question: Are the settings correct or should they changed to Background
services/System cache?

Virtual Memory:-
Total paging files for all drives: 768 MB

When pressing the Change button the Virtual Memory panel displays the
following:
C: 768 - 1536
D: [Back Up]F: [Back Up]

Drive: C:
Space available: 14489 MB
[.] Custom Size
Initial size (MB): 768
Maximum size (MB): 1536

Please note: When clicking on to D: [Back UP] and/or F: [Back Up]
the radio button [.] Custom size is DEACTIVATED and the MB boxes are
grayed out.
But the radio button [.] No paging file is ACTIVATED.

Question: Should D: and F: drives set similar to C: drive?

Also I use Fast User Switching (from Administrator account to Limited
user account) and am unsure if this has a bearing on virtual memory.

Furthermore: Is it safe (trouble free) to uninstall the below mentioned
drivers and then get M/S to re-install immediately?
USB Human Interface Device, Version 5.1.2600.2180
Plug and Play Monitor, version 5.01.2001
Logical Disk Manager, version 5.1.2600.2180
Generic USB Hub, version 5.1.2600
USB Printing Support
USB Mass Storage Device

TIA


Gerry said:
To add to the list provided by DL

Dust inside the computer casing can cause overheating and result in this
type of error. Take the casing off and use an Air Duster to clean. Also
check that all fans are working.

Insufficient RAM or CPU capacity resulting in excessive use of pagefile.
This can be exacerbated by leaving computer on 24/7.

Faulty power supply unit.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DL wrote:
Looked in Event Viewer for any possible err.msgs?
Motherboard chipset driver updates can be obtained from Asus site
www.memtest.org have a memory testing utility
A failing battery would cause the bios to possibly lose its settings,
and not your probs


Thanks for responses.

Well, the functionality of my OS (XP Pro SP2 ) is deteriorating
rapidly. All of a sudden my operating system freezes at erratic
intervals and
sometimes 'black flashes' appear on the screen. The HDD is not
faulty; Checked for malware scanning in normal and safe mode and did
a HJT - all okay.

I was wondering if drivers appropriate to the installed motherboard
(ASUS P4V8X-X Rev. 1.03)need to be updated.

On the motherboard support CD for WinXP Pro | Utilities tab is an
ASUS Update V5.22.03, should I click on this link to download
updates? Also, what is the life cycle of the lithium battery (CR 2032)
installed to the motherboard? Could a flat battery be a causing
factor? My Display adapter is NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 4000, v.6.14.10.9371
which I
believe is a current version.

Thank you in advance for taking time considering my request.


Oh, and do NOT use winupdate for drivers

There isnt such
Drivers do not need updating unless;
1) they provide greater functionality
2) they cure a bug

Request recommendation for a reliable (proven) driver scanning
tool which will highlight the drivers to be updated.
TIA.
 
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