Hello all!
In light of the recent release of X2a and the fact my DAW is still running on WinXP SP3(32 bit)   I thought it might be interesting to attempt to upgrade over to Win8 for grins and giggles .  Unfortunately, I can't afford a new DAW at the moment so this will have to do for now.
 
For clarity, I did an "out of the box" image restore on a new hard drive and then upgraded to Win8 32-bit.  Come to find out the driver for my graphics card (Radeon X1550) is out of date.  Windoze used a generic driver for the migration.  Unfortunately the generic Windoze driver does not recognize that my graphics card has dual outputs.  Allegedy there is a legacy driver available for the card that is supposed to be Win7 compatible.  I believe the version is 10.?? (I'm at work and can't remeber the exact version).   None of the ATI Catalyst suites will install .  A couple of the alleged drivers I found would not install.  The legacy driver I mentioned installed but for some reason Windows does not appear to have acknowledged/recognized the new driver installation.  Additionally, the same "Generic" driver is still the active driver when I look at the driver details within the windows control panel. 
 
So my question is:  Is there something I'm doing wrong?  Shouldn't Win8 be able to recognize that I have a dual graphics card?  If so shouldn't I be able to point wiondows to the newer driver?  Or does this indicate I need a new Video/Graphics card?  If so, any recommendations?  I believe the X1550 uses a PCIe slot.
 
Edit to add:  Thanks for any comments or help!
 
Rich

Hi Rich,

Two things:
First, I'd start with a fresh/clean install of the OS (not an upgrade).
You can do this via an upgrade disc.  Just need to tweak the registry before activating Win8.

Next, I'd recommend an HD5450 video card.
These are easy to find passive-cooled, support dual monitors, and they're inexpensive.

Jim Roseberry


Hi Rich,

Two things:
First, I'd start with a fresh/clean install of the OS (not an upgrade).
You can do this via an upgrade disc.  Just need to tweak the registry before activating Win8.

Next, I'd recommend an HD5450 video card.
These are easy to find passive-cooled, support dual monitors, and they're inexpensive.

Thanks for the response Jim. 
 
If you are refering to OEM software, I was led to believe it wasn't available yet, thus why I went the upgrade route .  I really wanted to go 64 bit but since the machine had 32 bit installed the install procedure wouldn't allow a 64 bit install.  My bad for not being clear on the installation procedures!  Otherwise I would have waited.
 
Thanks for the recommendation on the card.  Assuming from your response I'll need a new card!  Problem is coming up with a valid story to tell the wife this being so close to Christmas and all!!  I'll check out the card.
 
Thanks again!

Hi Rich,
 
Install from the Win8 upgrade disc.  (If you bought the download, choose to make an install disc.)
Prior to activating Win8, shoot me an Email... and I'll forward the instructions for the registry tweak.
It's legit... and you'll start with a clean/fresh Win8 install.
 
The HD5450 will help with performance... allow dual monitors... is easy to find passive-cooled (no fan)... and should cost $30-$40.  The X1550 is getting a bit too long in the tooth for a Win8 install.