A few questions about Vista/video cards

[pally01]

Hi To All.

I have a few questions I'm hoping for help with. I'm running Vista Ultimate, P5B mobo, Saphirre x1650 Pro card, Dell 24" LCD and Samsung 40" LCD.

1) What is the best way to update my Radeon X1650 Pro driver? Is it simply to uninstall the old and run the newer one or should I use a cleaner etc?

2) ATI offers a Catalyst Control software set-up. I can not see this on my Vista Ultimate system. Does this mean it most likely is not installed or that I'm a dumbass and can't see it? I built this system a week ago and I am under the belief that Vista installed what it needed to when I installed Vista. I did not load anything from ATI specifically up to this point. Is this accurate or do I need to do more?

3) I am having difficulty getting my Samsung T.V. to act as a monitor. The T.V. has a VGA input meant for a computer. I have a VGA cord that I've put a DVI adapter onto the p.c. end, so the cable physically attaches well onto the X1650 and the T.V.
When I boot the p.c., I can see the ASUS logo and the Vista start-up on the t.v, but it all disappears once Vista starts loading. I'm thinking I may need a VGA-out on my video card rather than 2x DVI.

Please offer me your advice/insights etc.

Thanks :)

[Alaron]

1. For a driver upgrade, I just uninstall the previous driver and install the new one. I only use a cleaner program when upgrading cards.

2. If you just let Vista control your video drivers and did not download/use the CD with the card, you will not have the CC software. You can pick it from ATI's site here (32bit Vista) along with the latest drivers: http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/vista32/common-vista32.html

3. Two options. Check to see if the TV has a "PC" mode it needs to be switched to. Also, check in your Windows Display Properties that the TV is recognized and selected as a second monitor. In XP the box to check says "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor".

[pally01]

Thanks, Alaron.

I D/L'd the CC software and installed it. All became abundantly clear after that!

I believe I was using a default Microsoft driver or something until now. My 1650 now shows in device manager. I now also have the little red ATI badge in the tray. Using that gave me the option to enable a 2nd monitor. A proper driver was installed too.

My Samsung is now working beautifully!

Many Thanks!