This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01, specifically designed for the 32-bit version of the Windows 8.1 Preview operating system. This driver, released on July 1, 2013, aimed to deliver optimized performance and compatibility for Nvidia GeForce GPUs in notebook computers running the pre-release version of Windows 8.1. It’s important to understand the context of this driver, its intended purpose, and the recommendations provided by Nvidia regarding its installation and usage.
Understanding Reference Drivers and OEM Recommendations
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 is classified as a "reference driver." This designation signifies that it’s a generic driver package provided directly by Nvidia. While these reference drivers offer broad compatibility across a range of Nvidia GPUs, they are not necessarily tailored to the specific hardware configurations and requirements of individual notebook models.
Nvidia strongly advises users to prioritize drivers provided by their notebook’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). OEMs, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, create customized drivers that are rigorously tested and optimized for their specific notebook models. These OEM drivers often include enhancements and fixes that address potential compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks unique to the notebook’s design.
Therefore, before installing the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01, it is crucial to visit the support website of your notebook’s manufacturer. Look for the latest drivers specifically designed for your notebook model and operating system. Installing the OEM-provided driver is generally the recommended approach to ensure optimal performance, stability, and compatibility.
Nvidia explicitly states that OEMs may not provide technical support for issues arising from the use of reference drivers like the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01. This underscores the importance of relying on OEM-provided drivers whenever possible, as they are backed by the manufacturer’s support resources.
What’s New in the 326.01 Driver
The primary purpose of the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 was to provide initial support for the Windows 8.1 Release Preview. This allowed users who were testing the pre-release version of Windows 8.1 to utilize their Nvidia GeForce GPUs without encountering major compatibility issues. Being a WHQL-certified driver, it met Microsoft’s standards for stability and reliability.
This driver release coincided with the public availability of the Windows 8.1 Release Preview from Microsoft. It enabled users to experience the new features and improvements of the operating system while maintaining functional graphics support for their Nvidia-powered notebooks.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 supports a wide range of Nvidia GeForce GPUs commonly found in notebooks at the time of its release. While a complete list isn’t available here, it’s crucial to check the driver’s release notes or the Nvidia website for a comprehensive list of supported GPUs.
However, it is important to note that certain GPU models or specific notebook configurations may not be fully supported by this driver. Nvidia often provides a list of exceptions in the driver’s documentation, highlighting any known compatibility issues or limitations.
Users should carefully review the supported products list and any associated exceptions before attempting to install the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 to avoid potential problems.
Installation Considerations
Before installing the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01, it is highly recommended to create a system restore point. This allows you to revert your system to a previous state in case the driver installation causes any unexpected issues or instability.
Additionally, ensure that you have downloaded the correct driver version for your operating system (32-bit in this case) and that your notebook meets the minimum system requirements specified by Nvidia.
It’s also a good practice to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers before installing the new driver. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a clean installation. You can typically uninstall drivers through the Windows Control Panel.
Finally, remember to restart your computer after the driver installation is complete. This allows the changes to take effect and ensures that the new driver is properly loaded.
Download Links
Here are the download links for the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 32-bit:
-
Original Download Link: 326.01-notebook-win8-preview-32bit-international-whql.exe
-
Alternative Download Link: (Due to the age of this driver, finding a direct download link from Nvidia’s website might be difficult. A reliable alternative source such as a driver archive website like Softpedia or DriverScape can be used. Please exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites and ensure the source is reputable.) A possible alternative link could be: Softpedia – Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 (Please verify the file integrity and scan for viruses before installing.)
Disclaimer: The alternative download link is provided as a convenience. We are not responsible for the content or safety of external websites. Always exercise caution when downloading files from the internet.
Important Considerations for Modern Systems
It is crucial to understand that the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 was released in 2013, specifically for the Windows 8.1 Preview operating system. Given the age of this driver, it is highly unlikely to be compatible with newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Attempting to install this driver on a modern operating system may result in compatibility issues, system instability, or even hardware damage. Therefore, it is strongly discouraged to use this driver on any operating system other than the Windows 8.1 Preview 32-bit version for which it was originally intended.
For users running modern operating systems, it is essential to download and install the latest drivers from Nvidia’s website or from your notebook’s OEM. These newer drivers are specifically designed to support the latest operating systems and hardware configurations, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 is obsolete.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 served as a crucial driver release for users testing the Windows 8.1 Preview operating system on their Nvidia-powered notebooks. However, it is essential to remember that this driver is a reference driver and that OEM-provided drivers are generally recommended for optimal performance and compatibility. Moreover, given its age, this driver is not suitable for modern operating systems and should only be used on the Windows 8.1 Preview 32-bit version for which it was originally designed. Always prioritize the latest drivers from Nvidia or your notebook’s OEM to ensure the best possible experience. Remember to check if the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 is the right driver for your system before installing.