Previously, I did all my Windows XP updates. But the last one that I did - I can't remember exactly what it was - made my OS not compatible with my sound card. It's a Yamaha AC-XG Audio Device. I tried downloading the recommended drivers (Yamaha YAMAHA DS-XG PCI Audio CODEC (WDM) Driver ) but nothing worked. After calling my laptop company's help desk and some local computer techs, I was basically told that the only way to fix the problem was to completely reformat my hard drive. I hated to do it, but I did. At the time, I didn't know about this site. Or else I would have asked here first. Everything is working fine now, but obviously I need to keep up on my Windows updates. But I don't want to risk ending up with the same problem. What do you suggest?

Sounds like you may have updated the drive for your soundcard as part of the windows update. Make sure you read what each download will do to your computer. You don't need everyhting microsoft offers on its update system. Only download what you need like critical updates. Sincerely, Mr. Cheeks

I can think of two things you can do BEFORE you do any updates that will allow you to undo any changes if there are any adverse side effects. 1. Create a manual restore point. Go to Start<All Programs<Accessories<System Tools<System Restore. If you encounter any problem you can restore the system to the restore point. Another option is to use a drive imaging program such as Drive Image or Ghost. These programs will create an exact copy of your system disk on another partition, drive, CD etc. I suggest using a 2nd hard-drive or at least a 2nd partition on your main disk for speed. If you have any problems you can restore your system to it's exact state at the time you made the image, byte-for-byte. Michael J

It's been my experience that the driver updates on the MS update site are not compatible with most of our systems. Next time you download a MS update driver and it won't work properly, try rolling back the driver to an earlier version. I've seen this option in Device Manager under the driver tab of the different hardware, but have never used it. Maybe it could help you next time. Rolling back a win98 computer's driver was rough. I'm glad they seem to have made it easier in XP.

Thank you for your help!!