Driver Question after Clean Install

[KeefKay]

Hello there,

I recently did a clean install of Windows 7, 64-bit for my Pavilion G7-1326dx. Upon looking for drivers, I searched my laptop model on the HP site and found a list of drivers. I'm not sure which ones I need to install, so I was planning on just figuring out the Wireless driver. Then use the "Identify now" function with the actual laptop to find the rest of the required drivers. 

However, there were 9 drivers under the Driver-Network section. I can eliminate some, as they are for Bluetooth, but how can I possibly know which is the correct driver? 

Is there a best practice for finding out the right drivers for your device? 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You need this driver for the model wlan card your notebook has.

This package contains the driver installation package for the Realtek RTL8188CE wireless LAN Controller in the supported notebook models running a supported operating system.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp55001-55500/sp55342.exe

I check the hardware ID's for the devices I have questions about and then google the ID to figure out what drivers I need.

Of course, you should install the obvious ones first (graphics, audio, ethernet, card reader) to narrow down the list you have to search for.

[KeefKay]

Perfect! I've downloaded most of the drivers thanks for providing me with the Wireless one. Need one last driver, for the Ethernet Controller: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_3568103C&REV_05

If I decide to upgrade this laptop to Windows 10, will I require additional drivers? 

Thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

You need this driver for the ethernet adapter...

This package provides the Realtek Local Area Network (LAN) Driver that enables the Realtek Network Interface Card (NIC) Chip in supported notebook models that are running a supported operating system.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp55001-55500/sp55083.exe

Not sure about W10 on that platform. It might work OK, it might not.

In any event, for whatever drivers W10 didn't install, you could check the hardware manufacturer's websites for W10 drivers, or try using the latest drivers available from the support page for your notebook.