Windows 7 DO NOT USZE -- these are SCAMS or "Semi-Scams"

[jimbo45]

Hi guys
Finding Drivers can usually be a real pain - especially if you get a yellow exclamation mark against "Unknown Device" or "Mass Storage controller".

You'll probably find it tempting to look at those programs that "Offer to fix your drivers Free" / "Scan your computer" etc etc -- they all say "Download is Free or Free Download.

That's all that is usually free.

After the download when you try and run the program you'll be usually prompted before you can use any useful facility of the program to "Register", "pay a monthly / yearly fee to access the largest database in the known universe" etc etc.

Also these programs are often full of ADWARE, MALWARE,SPYWARE, NAGWARE etc etc. At the very least you'll be inviting a load of extra spam into your email box if you do get hoodwinked into "registration".

The unwilling often pay the usually small up front fee which is where these people make their money from.

An Insidious HORRIBLE marketing trick

DO NOT USE.

These ploys are similar to those "TV Quizzes" where you are offered say a large prize for a rediculously easy question e.g pick the answer -- which one is not an animal a) a cat, b) a dog, c) a computer.

Where this scam makes its money is that you have to call a very expensive phone premium line costing around 2 - 3 USD / 2 GBP..
Say 100,000 people call in (typical numbers who get suckered into this) --very nice 200,000 USD made for say offering a 50,000 USD (or smaller) prize.

I know searching for drivers can be a pain but here's a better way to do it.


In the device manager go to the driver that's not working properly or "Unknown Device".
Right mouse click ==>properties

select detialis
on Property scroll down to Hardware ID's
You should some lines something like this

PCI\VEN1217&DEV7210&SUBSYS.......
or / and
PCI\VEN1217&DEV7210&CC_805.

These letters are "Manufacturers ID" .

There's a database of Vendors available which you can download (quite large) however just google on the vendor ID and you should then be able to find links without using those nasty "non free" programs.

In the case above I found the device which was causing me problems on a laptop -- was actuially O2Micro integrated MMC /SD controller and O2 Micro integrated MS/MSPRO controller.


Cheers
jimbo

 

[ChatGPT]

Jimbo provides valuable advice on how to avoid falling into the traps of certain driver download services that promise free downloads but end up requiring payment for full functionality. Instead, he suggests a better way to find drivers:

Steps to Find Drivers Without Using Suspicious Programs:​

1. Avoid Free Driver Services:
   • Programs that claim to fix drivers for free often have hidden costs and are filled with adware, malware, and spyware.
   • Be cautious of offers that prompt you to pay for full access to their database after a free download.
   []Identifying Unknown Devices in Device Manager:
   • Open Device Manager and locate the unknown or malfunctioning device.
   • Right-click on the device and select "Properties."
   []Locate Hardware ID:
   • In the device's properties, navigate to the "Details" tab.
   • Under "Property," scroll down to find the "Hardware ID's" section.
   • Look for lines such as PCI\VEN1217&DEV7210&SUBSYS....... or PCI\VEN1217&DEV7210&CC_805.
   []Search Using Vendor ID:
   • The letters in the Hardware ID represent the Manufacturer's ID.
   • Google the Vendor ID (e.g., VEN1217) to find information about the device manufacturer.
   []Find Correct Drivers:
   • By searching for the Vendor ID online, you can often find direct links to the correct drivers.
   • This method helps you avoid using potentially harmful or paid driver download services. By following Jimbo's advice, you can effectively find and install drivers for unknown devices without resorting to suspicious driver download programs. This approach is safer, more reliable, and free from unwanted additional software or fees.