Driver Updates for PC

Articles and technical help with driver issues

Windows Vista Drivers - Part 3

How do I install new devices?

You may not have to do a thing. If you have kept up with Windows Vista service pack updates and any automatic updates to your devices that have been triggered over time, the device may simply be recognized and installed with the drivers already included in the operating system. Sometimes the installed driver does not work properly. You might find that not all features of your monitor, printer or sound card are available. The device connects and operates with the system, but not in its advertised, full featured manner. If you have uncovered an updated driver that makes it compatible with Vista, download the file and save it in a safe place, in case you need to reinstall it at some point. If the files came in a zipped or compressed format, uncompress them and follow any directions provided on the website from which you downloaded them. You can also try using the CD-ROMs that came with your device when prompted by Vista to see if they will work. Upon installation, the system may automatically try to connect with the internet and the manufacturer’s website to download any updates. To update your drivers manually, follow these steps.

1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Click the Start button, then Control Panel, then System and Maintenance and finally Device Manager. You must have the Administrator password to proceed.
3. Locate your device and double-click the name.
4. Activate the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.
5. Follow any instructions provided to you on the screen.

What do I do if my device still does not work right?

There have been a few reported glitches with seemingly Vista compatible devices. Sound cards and video devices seem especially plagued. Rolling back drivers for some of these devices to the XP version did seem to correct some problems, but other problems became worse. Other issues have been uncovered when updated drivers, which fixed the problem, seemed to fall back all by themselves to the driver that came with Vista. In this case, not shutting down the computer, except when absolutely necessary, choosing rather to put it in “hibernate” mode keeps the drivers in place. You may need to keep track of drivers that might need to be installed upon a restart. With restarting being step one in so many Windows troubleshooting procedures, this solution would seem cumbersome. If you’ve tried reliable workarounds, updated drivers and seeking help from Microsoft and manufacturer web sites, unfortunately, the answer may be to replace the device. You might find out upon visiting the manufacturer’s website that an update is coming in the short run. If the functionality is tolerable even though it’s not ideal and you can wait for an updated driver, it might be worth the wait, especially if the device you are replacing is expensive.

Some driver problems that Vista users are experiencing are expected to be corrected with the release of Windows 7. If you are planning to stay with Vista for awhile, be diligent about allowing your computer to automatically download updates, whether they are service packs or driver updates. Use the operating system’s automatic update features to help keep your computer running smooth. When you purchase new hardware, find a safe place for the CD-ROMS that come in the box. Likewise, as you download compressed files that install drivers, save them to a place on your hard drive that is backed up regularly. One of the hardest things for some people to grasp is that we will never arrive at a place where everything that works will continue to work forever. There are just too many factors outside our control to make that viable. The best thing you can do as a Windows computer user is to stay nimble by staying up to date.

Back to Part Two

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click for a free scan of your drivers:

 

 

 

 

About Driver Genius

• Detects and fixes all your Drivers
• Largest driver database in the industry, over 100,000 hardware devices are supported
• Online and offline driver analysis
• Fastest, most reliable driver downloads and updates
• Free technical support
• Compatible with all major PC Windows operating systems
• Easy to use tool

Quotes from our users

 

I had my monitor for over 8 months and was never really satisfied with the quality of picture. Then my friend told me about Driver Genius. I run the scan and the Driver Genius installed a new, updated driver for my monitor – the result was amazing and picture was crystal clear!

Jonathan M., Los Angeles, CA

 

Working in the multimedia industry means I use peripherals such as high-res monitors, printers and scanners as well as graphic and sound cards. But being dependent on these devices also means being dependent on drivers. Whenever a driver is outdated or invalid, the device performance suffers. Luckily I have Driver Genius to fix this situation. I don’t have to waste time searching for driver download files. Driver Genius does everything and it does it fast and right – every time!

Dan T., Durbanville, SA

 

 

I thought my printer has broken down... it didn’t print, it didn’t respond at all. I almost threw it out but then I remembered to check for drivers. I run Driver Genius Pro and voila! It updated all my drivers and the printer was working again, like it’s brand new!

William S., Toronto, Canada

 

I bought a new PC but when I tried to hook it up with my existing monitor, printer, mouse, ... I ran into a problem. The hardware didn’t respond at all. I spent days and days searching the internet for drivers that I needed. I visited manufacturers’ websites trying to locate the right driver for each device. I wasn’t even half-way there when I decided to give Driver Genius a try. What a relief! It auto-detected all the devices missing drivers and it then did the update for the missing and obsolete drivers. It works perfectly!

Mara V., Chicago IL

 

Update and fix your drivers with Driver Genius