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Go to SolutionRookie question about installing drivers
I just went to the dell support site to see if I needed to update any drivers (I'm having issues with an external hard drive I just bought). When I got there, there was a list of 35 drivers/files listed as recommended or urgent for download. Here's my question... I just got this laptop about a month ago (Inspiron with Windows 7 64-bit) and it looks like most, if not all, the files on the list are from August or earlier. Do I really need to download all of those files? Is it possible that they are already on my laptop, or can Dell "read" what's on my laptop and then recommend files that are needed?
Then, another question.... once I get them all downloaded, does the download manager install the updates, or is there something special I need to do?
Thanks for any help. I feel like I should be able to find these answers somewhere, but just haven't been able to.
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Posted December 26th, 2011 21:00
Thank you for your reply!
I bought a Toshiba Canvio 3.0 portable hard drive and when I first plugged it in I got some sort of message that it didn't install properly. After looking around on Toshiba's site and a couple of boards, there seem to be a lot of people who have had problems with that hard drive on a Windows 7 64-bit system. One solution someone gave was to make sure all the drivers were up to date, which is what brought me to this conundrum.
It's difficult for me to tell what's what on that list.... I do see there is a recent update for Toshiba under SATA, but the portable drive that I have plugs into a USB port... those are different things, aren't they?
I have not seen any postings about this hard drive issue where someone has said someone's advice solved anything, but I was hoping a driver update did the trick.
1508
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Posted December 26th, 2011 22:00
Where would I find this file? The drive does not show up anywhere. I only hear a notification sound when I plug or unplug it, but it is not listed in the drive directory (formerly known as My Computer)
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Posted December 26th, 2011 22:00
The Toshiba update is for the HDD that shipped with your system - IF it is made by Toshiba.
Q: How do I begin the installation of the NTI software?
A: When you connect the Toshiba USB hard drive the AutoPlay function of Windows XP & Vista will prompt you to install backup software.Note: Windows 7 does not allow USB hard drives to AutoPlay. You will only be prompted to open the drive. In this case, double click on the Setup.exe file to install the backup software.
Did you run the setup.exe file? If not, go ahead and run it.
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Posted December 26th, 2011 23:00
Okay, let's take a different route.
Plug in your USB drive.
Go to Start > Control Panel > Administrative tools > Computer management
Single click on Disk Management under Storage in the left column.Do you see the USB HDD there? NOT DISK 0
If you do, right where is says Disk 1
Choose assign a drive letter.Post back what you find.
1508
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Posted December 26th, 2011 23:00
There is only Disk 0 and the optical drive.
1500
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Posted December 27th, 2011 00:00
Yes, it was plugged in. Also, I have tried this on all ports with no success.
1508
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Posted December 27th, 2011 00:00
Was the USB drive plugged in when you checked?
655
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Posted December 27th, 2011 00:00
It's telling me that diskpart is trying to make a change. Is that ok?
The more I look around, the more I think this thing just is not compatible with the 64-bit system. There are at least two questions about this specific device that have been raised on the Toshiba support website that no one has bothered to answer for nearly a month and a few others that did not appear to be helpful. I may try to return this drive for one that is specifically listed as 64-bit compatible on Window's website.
And, yes, the thing powers up and makes a very nice whirring noise. It just doesn't show up anywhere.
655
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Posted December 27th, 2011 00:00
Also, make sure that you are using a "powered" USB port on your notebook.
I found this in the installation manual
When you plug in the USB drive, does it spin up or does it just sit there no making any sounds?
Bay Wolf
4438 Posts
1508
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Posted December 26th, 2011 21:00
You really only need to update drivers that are giving you issues - like something is not working right.
Since you have had the system for such a short time, then I doubt that you need any updated drivers.
Are you having some issues?
If you need to down any updated drivers, you only need to update the ones that are used on your system.
For instance, there are probably more than one driver listed for various WiFi adapters.
You only have one in your computer so it definately is not necessary to download them all.
If you do download any, do not use Dell's download manager. Use IE and save it to a file where you know it will be.
What you just downloaded is the setup or sometimes called the installer package. Running it will update the driver.
Maybe we can help with the external drive issue.
What seems to be the problem.