Replacing ATI Card With New One-How Install? Drivers?

popeye · Mar 2, 2005, 05:30 PM

I have an X300 ATI card in my computer with ATI driver 6.14.10.6497 drivers already installed. I'm anxiously waiting to replace it with the X800 XL(excited!). Wondering for installing this card the best way to do it? Should I delete driver first, then install? Or just install this card as is? Advice appreciated, thanks. Any other info is OK. Thanks.

agenthex · Mar 2, 2005, 05:56 PM

If you're lazy, just swap the cards. They should use the same drivers for both. If there is VIVO on the X800 you're getting, you would need to install the WDM driver for the card, but other than that, you should be fine.

If you're picky about your computer's configuration, you may want to uninstall and reinstall drivers for your own sanity. And of course, if it seems to be failing in any way, uninstall and reinstall the graphics drivers.

sc3000 · Mar 2, 2005, 06:03 PM

The best way is to format your pc

Tipstaff · Mar 2, 2005, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc3000

The best way is to format your pc

What?!? Sorry, but that's not necessary. Way to extreme. You would only need to, in some cases, do a reformat if you were going from Nvidia to ATI, but even then it's not necessary as long as you clean up the old files.... and that means all traces.

It's this easy:

Use Add/Remove Programs to get rid of all the drivers (Control Panel first, then drivers). Reboot into Safemode, and if asks about installing drivers just hit Cancel. Use DriverCleaner Pro to remove any left over ATI files (makes sure to run all the listings for ATI). Shutdown the machine, unplug the power, and swap out the cards. When you install the new card to a power connector try to get it on a power rail (wire) by itself. If that's not possible, try to get it so it's using the first power connector, then whatever devices after that (fan, floppy, whatever). Plug the power back in, then reboot, and install the drivers for the new card. Just remember to reinstall your monitor drivers as well.

Have fun with the new card popeye!

- Tip

popeye · Mar 2, 2005, 10:18 PM

Tipstaff-thanks did just that and like the card a lot! Guess I have to learn the control panel adjustments now. Thanks again.