A PC running MicroSoft Windows Operating System contains files that control an external or internal device, such as printer, scanner, video card, or modem. These files are known as drivers and help various gadgets communicate with Windows.
Windows NT/2000 and Windows 95/98/ME/XP/Vista come with already inbuilt drivers that automatically install drivers when a device is installed, as they are available within the PC’s driver library. At times, a new device will not be recognized by the system, in which case drivers will need to be installed from the web, DVD or CD, or from a floppy disk.
It is advisable to use drivers from the manufacturer of the device rather than Windows in built drivers. Strangely, working devices can be diagnosed with faulty drivers. Retrieving the driver from the manufacturer’s website is recommended, as these sites contain customer care or support areas containing driver files. Additionally, the websites will have drivers that are updated and better written. Sometimes the device comes with a driver CD or floppy disk. The model and make of the device needs to be figured out, so as to update it with the right drivers. The device’s manual often contains this information. If the device is located within the PC, such as video card or internal modem, go to START>Control Panel>System>Device Manager. A list of device names will appear on the left side, which should lead to finding out the full name of the device.
With this name, the correct device driver can be located on the manufacturer website, and when the user clicks on the driver package file, the web browser will prompt the user to download or run the file. Select download and specify a destination folder for the file. The recommended destination is the desktop icon within the dialog box, on the left column. Open the driver files by double clicking on them, which should uncompress them.
Open Control Panel, Click ‘Start’ (pick ‘Settings’) then ‘Control Panel’. Double clicking on ‘System icon’ reveals ‘Device Manager’ tab. Once the device whose drivers are being updated is located (click on ‘+’ sign next to various categories, click on ‘device’, click on ‘Driver and Properties’ tab), click on Update Driver. A dialog box will guide the user during the process. Choose ‘Display a list of drivers’ and pick ‘Have Disk button’. Use the dialogue box to locate the downloaded driver files on the desktop. Opt for the ‘.INF file’ within the folder and click on OK. The file will be successfully updated. For more than a single .INF file, try out each one until installation is successful. Once rebooted, the updated driver should work effectively.
