PC Drivers | DriverFinder - We Make Drivers Work for You - Part 6

ATI Releases Version 10.9 of the Catalyst Software Suite

ATI just released another update of their Catalyst Software Suite, which is used for the ATI graphics cards. This release includes an update for the AMD display driver (ATI is part of AMD). Like any driver update release, this new version is released to improve reliability and performance of ATI graphics cards.

Version 10.9 includes an update of the ATI Radeon display driver, the new driver version is 8.771.

The main improvements in the new release relate to bug fixes in games and performance improvements in games. Performance improvements vary from 5% to 20% depending on the game.

But for Vista there are also improvements in the AVI video playback in PowerPoint presentations, and blu-ray video playback no longer corrupts the desktop image. For Windows XP and Windows 7 the update also has a few bug fixes, but of course there is still a long list of known issues that have not been resolved yet.

Installation requirements

For installing the 10.9 version on XP or Vista, the .NET Framework SP1 needs to be installed. In Windows 7 the .NET Framework is integrated already. Users should also make sure they use a user account with administrator right to install the updated drivers.

ATI also recommends that you download the old drivers before installing the new display drivers.

Click here to download and install ATI Catalyst driver R10.9 now.

Nvidia Releases Version 260.63 of its GeForce Drivers in Beta

This beta release of version 260.63 further improves the performance of some of the GeForce bases video cards. Especially the GTX 460 and GTX 480 video cards will benefit from increased performance, which will benefit gamers the most. Based on testing NVidia claims these cards can gain between 5% and 20% performance improvements, depending on the application (game).

In addition, version 280.63 adds support for the new GT 450 GPU, which also supports the NVida 3D Vision technology and DirectX 11.

If you are interesting in playing Blu-Ray movies, you will also benefit from the GeForce 260.63 driver update, as it now supports Blu-Ray playback on the HDMI 1.4 port of GeForce video cards. Connect your 3D TV and you are set to watch Blu-Ray movies. The improvements includes support for high definition audio streaming for Blu-Ray movies.

Another improvement in this driver release is the better compatibility with games that required DirectX 7, 8 or 9 compatibility for games running on Windows 7. Many games that need older DirectX support used to have problems on both Vista and Windows 7, even though DirectX 11 is supposed to be downward compatible, so this is a welcome improvement.

As always, you can get the latest driver releases with DriverFinder. The NVidia GeForce 260.63 release will be added as soon as it is out of beta.

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Realtek HD Audio Driver Update R.251

Realtek released driver package R.251 for its High Definition Audio devices at the start of the month.

The drivers support the Realtek HD Audio Codecs for Window operating systems. Not all codecs are supported for all Windows versions. The Windows version supported by this Realtek driver update are: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7.

The drivers support both 32-bit versions and 64-bit versions of these Windows editions.

The Audio Codecs supported for Window 7 and Vista are: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275, ALC680

For Windows XP and Windows 2000, the list of supported audio codecs are: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275, ALC680

All drivers in the Realtek R.251 driver package are Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tested and passed, which means that they have passed the Microsoft testing for device drivers.

This Realtek driver package update contains unspecified changes, which generally include bug fixes and enhancements.

Click here to download and install Realtek HD Audio Driver Update R.251 through DriverFinder.

Solved: CD/DVD Drive Not Recognized

Your PC is made up of many devices that interact with each other. Although in most cases updating your drivers is the solution to CD/DVD problems, there may be PC settings (or other applications) interfering with your CD/DVD device.

The following steps outline what you need to do to delete filters in your Windows registry, which may be preventing you from using your CD/DVD device. Steps may vary slightly depending on the Windows OS you use. ALWAYS back up your Windows Registry before making any changes.

  1. From the Windows Start menu, click Run.
  2. Type regedit (1) in the space provided and then click OK (2).
    Windows run regedit
    Note: If the UAC window shows up, click Yes to continue.
  3. Go to this folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
  4. On the right pane, right-click UpperFilters.
    Note: You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry. Remove UpperFilters only.
    If you do not see the UpperFilters registry entry, you still might have to remove the LowerFilters registry entry. To do this, go to Step 7 below.
    Delete UpperFilters in Registry to fix CD/DVD
  5. In the context menu, click Delete.
  6. If prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
  7. On the right pane, right-click LowerFilters.
  8. In the context menu, click Delete.
  9. If asked to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
  10. Exit the Registry Editor.
  11. Restart your PC.

After the PC restarts, your CD/DVD drive should be recognized and a driver letter should be assign to the drive.

If you are using an external CD/DVD drive that is connected through a USB port, also check your USB ports and drivers. Connecting to a different USB port can sometimes be sufficient.

Recommended: Update Your CD/DVD Drivers with DriverFinder

Creative Drivers

Business profile of Creative Technology / Creative Labs.

Originally founded in 1981, Creative Technology is a global leading manufacturer of digital entertainment products for the PC and internet markets. Creative Labs, its American division, was formed in 1988, followed by the opening of a European branch in 1993 and then an Asian division in 1999. For decades, its innovative products have revolutionized how users around the world interact with their computers.

Since the launch of its highly successful Sound Blaster sound card product line in 1989, Creative has been setting standards in the industry, leveraging cutting edge audio technology and a huge customer base to expand the PDE (Personal Digital Entertainment) market. While Sound Blaster started it all, the company is perhaps best known for its popular line of Zen digital audio players. The Creative Zen is an award-winning series and largely credited for ushering in the trend of MP3 players. This multipurpose device actually predates Apple’s popular iPod.

Today, Creative is a widely known as a global leader and innovator in the audio and PDE market. It solutions provide end-users with a complete digital entertainment experience from high quality hardware, software programs and services. Creative is enhancing the power of the PC with a versatile range of compatible MP3 players, multimedia speakers, headphones, portable media centers, web and digital cameras, graphics solutions and computer peripherals. Creative products and solutions are delivered to customers and system integrators through an international network that consists of traditional marketing channels, original equipment channels and the web.

This company has accomplished many industry milestones, but don’t expect them to slow down just yet. The Creative Zen is still in the stage of evolution, while other amazing lines are sure to be introduced in the very new future. A leading name in the PDE sector, Creative aims to further establish its high-quality brands for years to come.

Download Creative Drivers

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