Driver extractor - Windows 9X

[Simeon]

Hi everybody,

Long time reader, first time poster! I have had a search of the forums to the answer to this but havent been that succesful, but I am sorry if this has already been answered!

I have just received a working Win 98 laptop from a co-worker which I intend to use for some old games but also for very minor online access via a usb lan dongle. Although I "trust" my co-worker, I wouldnt be 100% happy until I have done a clean install on the laptop with a Windows 98 oem cd I have, so my first thought was to google the model and obtain the drivers for it before wiping it clean, the only problem is I cant find the drivers anywhere!

The laptop its self is a strange on there is no markings on it at all that refer to a company name, the only identifying marks are - Voyager 2800, and model 6033 on the bottom by the power information. a search online looks like it *could* have been made by a company called "Eversham" but this also hasnt helped in my search.

So instead I remember stumbling across a tool a few years ago for windows xp which extracted the drivers from a working system setup and stored them in a folder or floppy disk in order for them to be manually reinstalled once the system had been wiped. Does any one know if there is something simular that will work on Windows 9x?

Thanks for the help guys

Si

[submix8c]

You COULD try looking in the WINDOWS\INF and/or WINDOWS\INF\OTHER folder(s) for anything OEM.INF (OTHER will be ALL "inf" files regardless of name) then inspect the contents for any/all filenames inside and collect them.

You can also look at the Device Manager for the Names of Hardware and also look in the Registry under "HKLM\Enum\PCI" for the names and VEN/DEV info (the main thing to use to search for when needing drivers).

You could also try Unknown Device Identifier -

http://www.zhangduo.com/udi.html

HTH

edit - Just an FYI -

This program places a shortcut to their website on your User Desktop. It can safely be deleted. Just discovered this yesterday by using a Standalone version. AFAICT, it does nothing else "fishy" (hex-edited to confirm). It WILL redirect you to the same website if you select "backup drivers" to get you to download their "My Drivers" program. (see my next post for a better alternative). IOW, use THIS just to find/list Devices in a similar fashion as Everest software might.

Edited March 5, 2013 by submix8c

[Simeon]

Thanks HTH,

I will try it when I get home and update here.

Si

[submix8c]

HTH means "Hope This Helps"

Also look here - don't know if it would help/work (first link - DriverMagician).

http://grandstreamdreams.blogspot.com/2007/05/backing-up-windows-system-drivers.html

Still looking...

AHA!!! Found the "JerMAR" one "WinDrivers Backup" last FREE for Personal Version on Wayback.

http://web.archive.org/web/20021209051207/http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm

Try that one.

Edited March 4, 2013 by submix8c

[Simeon]

HTH means "Hope This Helps"

I think Homer Simpson said it best "D'oh"!!!

I will also try them links and update you

Thanks again Submix8c

Si

Edited March 4, 2013 by Simeon