New VIA IDE drivers for Windows XP

[ayoub_ibrahim]

The first is a new VIA IDE (3.14) driver dated 10/02/01 for the new Windows XP. This is the first VIA IDE driver for XP and is currently not included in the latest 4-1 drivers. Here is a list of the fixes:

1. First version for XP
2. Support to uninstall driver from ControlPanel->Add/Remove Program
3. Support Large Disk Feature(over 128 GiB)
4. Support ATA133, VIA VT8233A SouthBridge

http://www.viahardware.com/download/index.shtm

[Gurm]

5. Support crashing system.
6. Support slowing down disk access.
7. Support reduced concurrency.

- Gurm

[Technoid]

Gurm,
Have you actualy tested those drivers?

Or

Do you always say so whenever someone mentions Via drivers?

[The PIT]

Via drivers ain't those the things that crash your machine ??

I've got to admit I have used them at work to solve problems but don't tell anyone.

At home I've always found my computers work better without them. But theres always a day when they won't.

[ayoub_ibrahim]

I think if you having problems with a zip drive then this might actuall help!

[Wombat]

I always say that about Via drivers.

I would *love* for someone to prove me quite wrong.

Via writes suck drivers. MS writes better drivers, and they didn't even invent the chipset.

[Gurm]

Look, the last 18 revisions of the 4-in-1's crash and burn with Windows XP. Why is it that when they modify a set so that it's "digitally signed for XP" that it will be different/better?

NO, I haven't tested them - and don't intend to. I _like_ my machine's stability, thanks.

- Gurm

[Kosh Naranek]

hmmm .... the 4 in 1's is actually built into WinXP ... and with an Athlon XP and Via 4 in 1 v4.35v Win XP is quite stable !!

[The Rock]

I run Windows XP and have refused to install those accursed 4in1's again. Is there ANY reason to install those under XP?

Bart

[Gurm]

Kosh - no they aren't. The drivers built into XP are Microsoft's drivers for the VIA chipsets, not VIA's.

Bart (Rock) - no, no reason whatsoever. You will find that they degrade your concurrency and transfer speeds to the VIA IDE channels.

- Gurm

[Technoid]

I admitt that I don't use Via's IDE driver on W2k either.

I don't use 3d party Ide drivers at all on W2K since the time tho Intels Ide drivers killed my CD-RW.

[The PIT]

Even Via once said Microsoft drivers were better doesn't say a lot for Via really.

[Gurm]

The ONLY reason I see to use VIA's drivers instead of MS's are if you have hardware that isn't working.

Example - some people can't get their video cards to work correctly without the VIA AGP drivers... although this does NOT apply to WinXP.

If your CD drive isn't showing up properly, maybe you need these drivers. Otherwise... nevermind. Speed at the expense of CPU power and concurrency is bad.

- Gurm