Driver Updates - Pcpitstop.com?

mamazaac

I have installed the latest lego digital designer programme for my son, but it won't run. The ReadMe file says it is advisable to check with the machine manufacturer to ensure that you are using the most current drivers available. When I go into my drivers folder, all the entries begin with sonyhc. I have looked on google to update the driver and found a website called pcpitstop.com which says you can run a scan to find the latest drivers. However, to run this I will need to install an ActiveX control "driveragent.cab" from "Touchstone Software". As I have never heard of these people, I am a little wary about installing this in case they are some kind of scam website to get access to peoples' computers. Has anyone heard of them and can verify they are genuine please? Or can anyone tell me where I can update my drivers without downloading any ActiveX.

Many thanks

pks00

Ive used pcpitstop before to check my net speed. Seemed okay but you shouldnt need to go to a third party site. When running, does it give details of what drivers are missing?

Have you tried the lego site? see if they have a support section. If not, try the forums on the lego fan site. http://www.legofan.org/

timm_2

It's more than likely referring to the graphic card drivers. PC Pitstop is a handy benchmarking utility but it's prime purpose isn't driver detection or updating.

Do you know the manufacturer of your graphics card, or are you using a PC with integrated (on the motherboard) graphics?

If all this is double dutch to you, just say so and I'll try and guide you through it.

mamazaac

timm wrote:

It's more than likely referring to the graphic card drivers. PC Pitstop is a handy benchmarking utility but it's prime purpose isn't driver detection or updating.

Do you know the manufacturer of your graphics card, or are you using a PC with integrated (on the motherboard) graphics?

If all this is double dutch to you, just say so and I'll try and guide you through it.

I'm afraid most of it is double-dutch, but when I open the drivers folder, a sonyusb folder appears and when I open this all the contents begin sonyhc if that is any help. The Lego ReadMe file says if you are unfamiliar with updating your drivers or have any questions about your system drivers, please contact your computer manufacturer or supplier for assistance. I found a HP Help and Support Centre on my pc and through this managed to find a link to driver updates. I have downloaded the graphics and sound one as suggested in the Lego ReadMe file, but have yet to restart my computer to see if they have worked. Also, I do have Windows Automatic Updates switched on, so would these sort of updates be included in that anyway?

Other than with this Lego programme freezing, any programmes that we open on the computer are quite slow to load. My husband says that, and the problem with the Lego programme, is down to the fact that our processor is too slow (1.8GHz). However, the Lego programme system requirements state 450 MHz Pentium III or Faster Processor as a minium and 800 MHZ as an ideal, so I would have thought the processor we have is fast enough. We also have plenty of free hard drive space and enough RAM. My husband is after a new computer, but I am hoping there is a cheaper way to sort out why it is so slow. You sound as though you know what you are talking about - maybe you could give me some pointers.

I really appreciate your assistance.

Many thanks

mamazaac

pks00 wrote:

Ive used pcpitstop before to check my net speed. Seemed okay but you shouldnt need to go to a third party site. When running, does it give details of what drivers are missing?

Have you tried the lego site? see if they have a support section. If not, try the forums on the lego fan site. http://www.legofan.org/

No error message comes up when it runs. When you get to the build screen and click on a brick pallet, it just freezes. The Lego ReadMe file says:

In general if you are experiencing performance issues, lock ups, blue/black screen, error messages, etc. it is advisable to check with the machine manufacturer to ensure that you are using the most current drivers available. Sound, Video and CD-ROM manufacturers often release a number of new driver versions in a year to enable the user to get the best performance from their hardware. These drivers often contain improvements and sometimes include fixes for known issues with the hardware. If you are unfamiliar with updating your drivers or have any questions about your system drivers, please contact your computer manufacturer or supplier for assistance.

I thought what was happening sounded like a lock up and as you can see it just says ensure you are using the most current drivers available and says to contact your computer manufacturer or supplier which makes it sound as though they don't have a support centre, or if they do it cannot help with this problem.

timm_2

OK - Go to your 'My Computer' icon, right click, properties, click the 'Hardware' tab, then click the 'Device Manager' button. Under the list shown you should see 'Display Adaptors' Click the little '+' sign next to it - you should then see your graphics device shown there. Can you reply with exactly what is listed there?

Thanks.

Gibblestick

If you use PCPitstop, you can let it install driveragent.cab, it's just a little program thet will check which drivers you need, which versions are available and help you update as required.
PCPitstop has been around for many years and won't harm your PC, nor will it send you anywhere else that would.
You could also try windows update http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
and choose custom (you may need to accept some prompts first) The install any Hardware updates.
Again, windows update is a safe site and you can allow any installs from it

(All you MS naysayers be quiet.........)

mamazaac

timm wrote:

OK - Go to your 'My Computer' icon, right click, properties, click the 'Hardware' tab, then click the 'Device Manager' button. Under the list shown you should see 'Display Adaptors' Click the little '+' sign next to it - you should then see your graphics device shown there. Can you reply with exactly what is listed there?

Thanks.

Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller.

timm_2

Follow the instructions on this page to update your drivers to the latest available.

I'm assuming you are using Windows XP.

mamazaac

timm wrote:

Follow the instructions on this page to update your drivers to the latest available.

I'm assuming you are using Windows XP.

Many thanks timm. Yes I am using XP. Do you think this will sort out the Lego problem and our slow computer speed?

timm_2

It may well sort out the Lego problem. A slow computer can be a result of many things. Your processor speed alone is adequate for most home uses (with the exception of more recent games and some graphics program)

A few pointers:

Try a system defragment (start - programs - accessories - system tools)

Uninstall any programs you no longer use, You may have some system memory being used by programs loading on startup that you dont use anymore. A good tip is to reboot your PC between each uninstall to minimise the chance of any problems.

How much RAM do you have? In the 'My Computer / Properties' box we saw earlier, the 'General' tab will display the amount of RAM. 256MB is marginal for XP, anything less a real no no. 512MB is typical and adequate.

Do a quick google search for a small freeware program called 'CrapCleaner'. Used carefully, it can clear a lot of junk from your machine.

Hope this helps.