DriverMax takes the hassle out of reinstalling drivers.
So, the last time you had to do a full re-install of Windows, (if you haven’t yet you will), you discovered that the most frustrating part of the process was the installation of all those device drivers.
Most of us tend not to think about device drivers until the time comes when we end up searching high and low for the original install CD’s following an operating system re-install, or worse, spending hours on the Internet tracking down those hard to pin down drivers.
Well, help is at hand. DriverMax is a free register ware program that makes it easy to search for, backup and reinstall all your Windows drivers. Using DriverMax, you simply export all of your current drivers to a folder, or a compressed file of your choice.
Even better, the latest free version (June, 2009) of DriverMax allows you to download the latest driver updates. No more searching for your drivers. No more frustrating Internet searches or inserting one installation CD after the other.
After reinstalling Windows, the Import Drivers wizard helps you install the drivers that you exported earlier. The entire operation can usually be done in 5-10 minutes, as opposed to the hours that the alternative requires.
All you need to do then, is restart your computer and all those drivers will be automatically reinstalled.
Quick Facts:
Wizard based user interface
Export drivers based on filtering
Export drivers to a folder or to a compressed folder
Fast exporting and importing of drivers
Free registration code required within 30 days
This is a great little application that should be part of your recovery toolbox.
Requirements: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2003
Note: You will be required to create a free account, and log in, before you can start downloading the updates that you need.
Download at: Innovative Solutions
Update: July 4, 2009 – One of my readers, Cappydawg, has pointed out that this application now restricts users to just 2 driver updates daily. You may find this to be an unreasonable restriction. Checkout RadarSync 2008 which apparently has no such restrictions – this is a free program.
Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Good tool. Better write up. Thank you Mr. Mullins.
TechPaul,
As a tech, you must see a ton of computers where your customers can’t locate their original driver install disks.
Such a simple application – such great results.
Bill
Hi Bill, Lover your site, but I was just reading on Confessions of a Freeware Junkie site, that DriverMax is only allowing you 2 downloads per day for updating. I have tried this and it is true. for backing up your drivers this is a great tool. But for setting up a new computer it seems that it would take forever if you are only allowed 2 downloads per day. What a disappoint on their part.
Thanks Cappydawg,
You are absolutely correct – this is very disappointing news.
Generally, I have a buildup of 10+ articles in the hopper at any one time, and that’s how this unnoticed change in DriverMax got through. This article was actually written some time ago.
Thanks for this heads up. Much appreciated.
Bill
Mr. Mullins,
I actually have had a few clients who could reach straight for the discs that came with their PC’s, but to say that is rare is understatement epitomized.
But the main thing is, those discs are outdated, and so what we really want is copies of what is currently working — and you want that copy some place other than on your C:\ drive…
PS — I have found that Windows 7 does a very good job of finding and installing the proper driver automatically, and Vista doesn’t do too badly. Maybe the days of needing a tool like this are numbered?
TechPaul,
Thank you for the update on Win 7. You may be right that the day when we need this type of application are coming to an end.
Bill
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Bill, No problem, It is always such a disappointment when a good piece of software goes the way of payware to be beneficial.
am i the only one who finds doing window installs exciting? the only thing more exciting is using Boot and Nuke to format the hd prior to installation!
Hey G,
Thanks for the laugh – I hear ya!
Bill
Found a site (linked via an ad) called Driver Detective. It looked promising, and after doing a Google search, found that CNet had high marks. Well, the old saying: “if it sounds too good to be true ……”. Bottom line: it will indeed do a scan BUT “for only $29.95” it will complete the process! LOL. Ah, I’ll never learn!
Hi Don,
Checkout *RadarSync 2008*which is free and apparently has no restrictions. I haven’t had a chance to test drive this app yet, but it looks like it should do the job.
Bill
Thanks for that info Bill AND of course ALL your informative columns. Its very much appreciated!
Don
Bill, I just installed RadarSync2009 (updated) and it works GREAT! Simple installation with no crappola … couldn’t believe how many outdated drivers I had! It also allowed me to connect directly to each site for the updates, and also those sites that I had relevant programs. Updates were done without the usual site by site hassles and the installations completed without a hitch.
Thanks once again for your most valuable service. ….Don
Hi Don,
Thanks for the report. Based on your experience I have downloaded this app for a test drive, and will post on it shortly.
Bill
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Drivers are the Bane of system repairs and restores. Rule of thumb is to have the Uno-NumberOne driver on hand before all others: Your NIC !!! Far too many times I’ve had to do the sneaker net to get that one driver so that I could move forward. The NIC is like the One Ring in Lord of the Rings. Thanks for the info, I’m still stuck in the old days of cracking the case and pulling direct info off of the board (and cards if it has them).
One point though is that in most cases, the board is an All-in-One so all your downloads are from one site. But, alias, this too can often be a small consolation.
As always, thanks Bill for fantastic info
Thanks Dan,
As usual, your advice is spot on.
I trust all is well in the south. Great to hear from you.
Bill