Computer Driver Update Programs/Can Anyone Recommend a Good One?

Any flakiness is likely due to installed software, or deteriorating hardware, rather than drivers.

Only update drivers if there is a specific bug you're trying to fix or a specific feature you want to have. Especially if everything has been working for six years.

Have you ever re-seated the memory sticks, or your expansion cards? They are susceptible to "thermal creep." As the computer heats and cools, components that are not soldered in can work themselves loose.

Another issue might be heat. For most home computers, the primary method of cooling is the fan on the power supply. If that fan starts to fail, or if the airflow is impeded by dust, debris, or clutter, then the computer can overheat and you can see some really strange symptoms.

My big problem was that I had problems printing with my HP all in one. I went to HP and installed the new drivers. Problem fixed!

I still would like to know about driver scanners.

Drew Dad- I would rather have root canal, or stand in line at the motor vehicle office, than futz around with my memory sticks!

Well, that would fit under fixing a specific bug.

IMO, replacing drivers is a bigger deal than re-seating components.

Personally, I would not trust an automated process to do it.

Drew Dad- I would expect that you are a youngish guy. I am an older broad, and my computer, which is very big and unwieldy, sits on the floor, under my computer desk.

I am not about to crawl around the floor trying to open that damn thing, but thanks for the suggestion!!!!

Alrighty, then.

Windows has the ability to search for updated drivers built in. Right click "My Computer", select "properties", go to the "hardware" tab, and launch device manager.

There you can browse all the hardware components and "update driver" if you want to.

But like DrewDad has already told you, I don't recommend trying that without specific hardware bugs you want to fix.

Robert- Thanks. You are probably right. The thing that was bugging me was that my all in one printer was not working properly. Besides that, the computer is doing ok, so maybe I'll just be happy that the printer is working well now. As they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I have tried so many driver checkers that didn't work that I was about to give up!
Then I came upon DriverMax.
If you do prefer an alternative to Windows drivers update facility, I recommend DriverMax.
It checks all your drivers, finds relevant updates, offers them for download, and installs them for you if follow their instructions properly.
I have been usung it for 6 months now on my xp ultimate SP3 system and cannot fault it.