CNET Editors' review
Behind a slick interface, this program backs up all your PC's drivers in case you mess up something fierce. From registration to implementation, DriverMax works fast, runs smooth, and does even more than mere backing up.
When you run the app, it asks you if you'd like to run the trial version or apply for a registration key. The key is free, though, requiring only an e-mail address and your name. Once you've entered the key, the program interface appears, with slick button navigation: Driver Operations, Updates and Identification, and Popular Hardware. Mousing over one reveals more choices, so you can export your drivers, import drivers, or view an installed drivers report.
Updates lets you update both the DriverMax software and the drivers themselves, although as of this writing there is a warning label on the DriverMax Web site that downloads are not currently functioning. The program can also identify unknown hardware and point you in the direction of popular hardware options, pointing users to a compilation of statistics about different video cards and processors.
The strongest features, though, relate to driver backup and reinstalls. They function smoothly, offering users the option to back up all drivers or compile a customized list. Reinstalling an "accidentally" deleted driver was as pain-free as could be. As of the version 4.4 update, the DriverMax Agent, which automatically scans for driver updates, works in Windows XP and Windows Vista 32-bit, but not 64-bit. This is a great utility tool that should appeal to newbies, advanced hackers, and everybody in between.
Publisher's Description
From Innovative Solutions:
DriverMax is a powerful free utility which helps you download, update, backup and restore the drivers installed on your Windows PC. It automatically checks for more recent driver versions and identifies and installs missing drivers for unknown devices in your computer. Download all drivers from one place in just a few easy steps and keep your PC up to date. Backup drivers and keep all of them in one compressed file; restore them at a mouse click within a few minutes. This tool will save you a lot of time when reinstalling Windows, both on recent PCs and older computers for which the original CDs containing the drivers have been lost. You no longer have to track down old driver installation CDs, insert one installation CD after another or spend hours searching for drivers on the Internet. DriverMax is able to display a detailed report about all installed drivers (versions, release dates) and provide you with Windows Experience Index rating information before you purchase new hardware.
What's new in this version: Version 6.31 now groups hardware devices that use the same driver. This makes DriverMax a lot easier to use.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 1,400 votes
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Current version:
4.4 starsout of 79 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Makes Updating Drivers very Easy"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Excellent Program for updating to the latest Drivers, I have the 20 computers license Pro version which is more than sufficient to maintain the latest drivers on several PCs. Saves oodles of time doing it the old fashioned way, by looking up all the hardware manufacuters websites for the latest driver updates. This new version 6.31 seems far better than the older versions of old
Cons
Older versions did sometimes get devices wrong update
Summary
Highly recommend this Utility Program for time saving, ease of use and maintaining several PCs with ease
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"An excellent updater for your drivers"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
identifys the requisite updates quikly and downloads them givng the latest updates.Sets up recovery point before dwnloading and updtaing ,the back up facility is excellent.
Cons
Sholud identify the best driver incase of more then one for the configuration of the computer
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"time waster"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
unable to give any pros
Cons
keeps showing needs and insisting on purchase - not free!
then difficult to uninstall! -
"Makes life easier."
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Simple but atractive interface.
So far has had no problems identifying any drivers.Cons
Limited to 2 downlads per day (free user).
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"Super program!!!"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Works almost perfectly on windows xp, vista, 7
Cons
- free users max 2 drivers a day
- ontain some minor bugs(survey and with download drivers)Summary
Very good software, works almost perfectly
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"Identified a number of outdated drivers."
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Easy to use, drivers updated to what appear to be the most recent, though I haven't finished updating all due to the 2/day limit on the free software.
Cons
Two updates/day limit.
Summary
All in all this is a great free service. Two updates is a great motivation to upgrade to Pro to update all drivers in one sitting. A more patient person will be satisfied. .
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"Effective software"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
It is very helpfull to save time& money.
Cons
When you miss essential drivers& can not stay like this, this software will bring you the most updated drivers for your hardware, also will recognize your unknown hardware effectively.
Summary
But, remember there are two options, first pro software & you can download what you wish of drivers everyday & it is not free software, The other option is free software, you can download only two drivers per day until they finish.
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"I'm not a pro, but this app works fine."
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
fast, easy, no problems
Cons
none that I can see
Summary
Appreciate the program.
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"Takes awhile if you don't upgrade to Pro version"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Does what it says. Simple and easy backups and updates.
Cons
With 6 computers, I cannot afford 6 pro version licenses. Free version works well though. Limits you to 2 updates per day and then imposes a 20 second delay before it will do it.
Summary
Excellent utility. Limited somewhat if you can't afford to buy it.
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"Good updater"
Version: DriverMax 6.31
Pros
Finds all your updates, Download process fairly simple.
Cons
Occassionally downloads wrong update for a device.
Summary
A good device driver updater that could use a little refinement to theselection process.
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