ATI Catalyst/Driver Package Install Procedure

[lbeachmike]

Hey guys -

ATI has their optional uninstaller that they recommend you run when upgrading but they are quite vague about the recommendation. I've run it in the past, but it seems a needless waste of time when updating to an incremental driver version.

Is this optional uninstaller really intended to be used when perhaps upgrading cards or some more substantial event? Or is it truly advisable to run the uninstaller at every incremental driver upgrade?

Thanks.

Mike

[Rocketmech]

Its optional . Some people find they need it . Others like to use Driver Cleaner as well. Go with what works for you. Just remember that updating a driver can make things worse by itself .

[Midknyte]

I run DC Pro between each install. Yeah, it's optional, but it's cheap insurance.

[lbeachmike]

What specifically do you feel it provides insurance for .... ? And why not trust the tool the vendor is recommending and providing?

[Midknyte]

there can be problems with legacy files in the system. I don't remember what set, but it was the 4.xx series that had problems unless you did a clean install.

you can use the ATI tool, but DC works on ATI, Nvidia, Matrox, etc. It's more of a swiss army knife.

[AllGamer]

i always just install it right over the previous version

their newer installer packages does an excellent job

I'm so HAPPPY they QUIT using InstallShield **** :)

[Midknyte]

I guess I'm just a pessimist. You can try installing right over, but if you run into problems, use the cleaner.

It depends on how you look at it. I think of it like taking a flu shot. You take the shot so that you don't catch the flu later. I would rather start with a clean install and avoid possible problems.

Why would ATI create such a tool in the first place if their driver updates were 100% perfect?

[Bigjakkstaffa]

I used to run Driver Cleaner on all driver updates, be they 3DFX, Nvidia, ATi etc etc.

In reality its never been needed, these days, 99.9% of the time you can just install over the top, reboot and skip happily along.

Of couse there will always be that 0.1% occurence at some point where it all goes a little funky after a driver install, in which case its time to Add/Remove all associated driver files, use Driver Cleaner to clean off any remnants, and start afresh.

--Jakk:t

[lbeachmike]

I think of it like taking a flu shot. You take the shot so that you don't catch the flu later. I would rather start with a clean install and avoid possible problems.

I got a flu shot only once in my life. It resulted in the worst "flu" ever - it was the sickest I'd ever been! :D

[AllGamer]

I got a flu shot only once in my life. It resulted in the worst "flu" ever - it was the sickest I'd ever been! :D

aye... it happen to my mother as well.

since then i vowed to myself never get a flu shot to make yourself sicker than you can get when you actually get a flu :x