Hello.  This would be my first post and I should introduce myself.  My name is Scot, I live in Boca Raton, FL and although I probably will never be called a computer expert, I've been tinkering for over 25 years. I should get to the question....I was given a computer with an abit-kv8 pro MB and that's about all.  I took the video card (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 ultra and my two Barracudas. from my old computer.  It already has a DVD player/burner and a 52X drive.  I tried putting my Live24 soundcard in it and I ran into all sorts of probems, so I took it out, went back into BIOS enabled the onboard sound and it sounds better, but that's my own opinion of course.  Oh, also I'm accessing the Net through a Network System.  I'm using an Airlink Super G adapte and a linksys router.  I had some difficulties with those as well with compatiability and some other things, but I worked them out.  The only problems showing up in Device Manager are ethernet controller which I dont need and a universal serial bus controller.  I don't think I've gotten to the questions yet :)  First, what do you folks think of the new system and Second, do I really need the USB controller?  I don't have any problems any more (or any that I've yet to run into).  Also, should I bother upgrading MB drivers or updating the BIOS?   And there are most likely things I haven't thought of, so suggestions would be great.  Thanks

Scot

I'd definitely update the drivers just make sure you do it with a floppy and keep the backup of the Bios you have currently. The soundblaster and network would probably clear up. The update you need for the usb drivers is probably on microsofts end. Go make sure you download all updates then go into control panel and remove everything that does'nt work have your BIOS disk handy and restart installing the BIOS on the way when WINDOWS opens back up it will find new hardware install it all then check out control panel and see whats left. Make sure you do a complete backup as your first step. You may need to update component drivers then but it's a 50/50 on that.

Welcome to the HotHardware forum, Scot! What OS are you running?

Hi, Rapid and thanks for responding.  Honestly, I've done those things before and found either it was never really necessary, or more problems arise.  Do I really need that USB driver and I'm on a network so why bother with the onboard ethernet controller?  However, I did say I'm no expert so I'm sure you know something about this that I don't.  Flashing the BIOS is what scares me the most...

Thanks, Super Dave.  Well, there's the first thing I've forgotten :)  I'm running XP Pro 2002 Service Pack 2.  Now here's another question I have.  Should I update to Serv. Pack 3?

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Hi Bob.  I'm not trying to be rude, but could you tell me why?

ScotDB:

Should I update to Serv. Pack 3?

Do NOT update to SP3 until you visit the Airlink website HERE and download the latest SP3 driver for your wireless card. Failure to do this will result in lots of trouble, Scot! I personally don't feel a need to install SP3, but if you choose to install it you might like to read THIS first. If you install it and experience problems Micro$oft is offering free support until April 14 2009 HERE (could be a reason for this!). If you are able to use the Windows Update website there is a very good possibility that your mobo's ethernet and USB drivers are available there, too.

Sounds good, Super.  I'm going to look at it like this.  As of now, everything is working fine....so why introduce this variable of SP3?  Unless I can find a good enough reason to download the thing, I won't.  Are there any important issues that SP3 addresses and are there any programs that I'll need that only run in that environment?  I checked out those links and if MicroSoft is offering that kind of service for as long as their offering it, they might as well just come out and say it has issues.  And it looks like you've come to the same conclusion "(could be a reason for this!)"  As for the USB drivers, I have 5 installed and working now and I don't need the onboard ethernet.  So wouldn't Status quo seem the logical course of action?

ScotDB:

So wouldn't Status quo seem the logical course of action?

I like your way of thinking, Scot! The only thing scarier than a service pack update is a BIOS update, IMO. HERE is an interesting SP3 thread you might want to read.

Back at you, SD!  Loved the thread, thanks.  We all really need to be responsible for ourselves and if something like SP3 is thrown at us, we need to first question it and research it then determin if it's suitable for us.  Thanks, everyone, for your assistance and the pleasure was mine, Super.