What's the general consensus here? I've read that it doesn't matter if you just install new Nvidia Drivers over old ones. Then I read where it's imperative that you do, and then use a tool like cCleaner or something after deletion. SInce I want to do it RIGHT, please tell me what most of you do when a new and perhaps exciting driver appears on the scene. Looking forward to your individual responses and reasons why!Stan

What's the general consensus here? I've read that it doesn't matter if you just install new Nvidia Drivers over old ones. Then I read where it's imperative that you do, and then use a tool like cCleaner or something after deletion. SInce I want to do it RIGHT, please tell me what most of you do when a new and perhaps exciting driver appears on the scene. Looking forward to your individual responses and reasons why!Stan

When I install a new card, I use the drivers off the CD. From there on out, I just download the latest driver from Nvidia and install it right over the previous driver. I have heard way too many stories of people corrupting their OS by using things like driver sweepers, and I have never had an issue with my method.

I don't like CCleaner because it's a general registry cleanup tool. With those, purely logically, you can only have troubles.With a tool like Driver Sweeper, sounds much more reasonable, clean what you want, not what program things it's best. Set to clean Nvidia and voila. Besides it also cleans up files on the disk if there are some leftovers.I must say, I never had troubles both ways. I tried with cleaning in between, safe mode and cleaning, 2 reboots and what not. And without. Personally, never seen a difference or had troubles. Once maybe had an installation problem, but don't remember what really happened, I think it was something with the nHancer and the profiles what went south and AA wasn't working no matter what I did... But then again, cleaned from safe mode, installed drivers+nHancer and everything was peachy.My general consensus is to clean without a safe mode, rebooting twice (once after uninstall of the driver, once after cleaning, and then clean again on reboot). Then install new driver...Might not be necessary, but I agreed with myself it's the safest and shortest way to be sure not to get into any aggrevation.

I use "Driver Cleaner Pro v1.5" (freeware) and have for years. As long as you clean only the items applicable to your video card, I have never had a problem and it has always worked fine for me. If your computer has a motherboard or any other item which implements software with the same name as your video card, use caution that you do not clean those items, only video drivers. (Nvidia in particular).1. Disconnect from the internet2. In the MS Control Panel Add or remove Programs provisions remove all video drivers.3. Restart the computer in safe mode.4. Start Driver Cleaner.5. Remove all video drivers.6. Restart the computer (Normal) 7. Cancel all found new hardware windows that pop up.8. Install the new drivers.9. Connect back to the internet.Good luck:RTH

Look at it this way, in the long run, it's good insurance. Suppose you do NOT 'sweep' your old drivers and start to have video issues? You will not be sure the 'non sweep' is not the issue unless you follow the procedure and the problem STILL remains. It's just a way of eliminating a potential problem. Saying that "I've done it the other way and never had a problem' may be true but the word 'yet' has to apply.As far as corrupting your install - I guarantee any corruption was due to misuse of the driver sweeper program somehow or another.For me, I prefer to spend another two minutes and eliminate a potential problem.Vic

Look at it this way, in the long run, it's good insurance. Suppose you do NOT 'sweep' your old drivers and start to have video issues? You will not be sure the 'non sweep' is not the issue unless you follow the procedure and the problem STILL remains. It's just a way of eliminating a potential problem. Saying that "I've done it the other way and never had a problem' may be true but the word 'yet' has to apply.As far as corrupting your install - I guarantee any corruption was due to misuse of the driver sweeper program somehow or another.For me, I prefer to spend another two minutes and eliminate a potential problem.Vic

What cleaner program do you use, Vic?Stan

The only time I've had problems with graphics drivers for my Nvidia 285 card was when I mistakenly decided to use driver sweeper before installing the new driver. Needless to say I wont bother with driver sweeper again, I've put on and taken off drivers like a mad man over the last 6 months and the only time I had a problem was when using DS, yes it may have been a coincidence but I'll take the risk thanks, that is what system backups are for.

What cleaner program do you use, Vic?Stan

I prefer Driver Cleaner Pro.

What's the general consensus here? I've read that it doesn't matter if you just install new Nvidia Drivers over old ones. Then I read where it's imperative that you do, and then use a tool like cCleaner or something after deletion. SInce I want to do it RIGHT, please tell me what most of you do when a new and perhaps exciting driver appears on the scene. Looking forward to your individual responses and reasons why!Stan

I just install the new driver w/o removing the old drivers. I use to go into the device settings, open up the display device, and click "uninstall", then check the box to make sure all the drivers are removed. Then restarted the system and then installed the new drivers. Under Windows 7, that's an issue as you have to first let Windows find your hardware then they will install an old Nvidia driver. I think under Windows 7 it is best to just install the new driver over the old one. That's what I've been doing and so far no problems.Best regards,Jim