Frequently Asked Questions-Drivers

Q: What is a Driver?

A: A driver (device or software) is a program that allows you to fully utilize a specific piece of hardware or software. For example: You may need to install a video driver to get your new video card to work properly. 

Q: How do I update a driver with Windows VISTA?

A: The majority of drivers you will need for your hardware, VISTA will go out and download and install the driver on it's own. For example when you hook up a webcam VISTA will search the internet, download the drivers, and install the drivers with out you ever having to intervene. 

There are some devices that VISTA will not automatically find or you may not have internet connection. Under those circumstances, more than likely the drivers will be in the box your hardware came in (if you have a custom made computer). For example the CD/floppy with your video card drivers would be included in the box the video card came with. On the off chance you do not possess the drivers go to manufacture's website. For example an Nvidia video card's driver would be in Nvidia's website. You will need to fill in information such as the make and model and you can download the driver from there.    

If VISTA is not automatically finding your drivers or you do not have internet connection and you own a computer such as a Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc (not a custom made computer) you would go to your manufacture's website submit information (such as the model of your computer) and the website will provide you with a list of all the drivers available for your computer.

Q: How do I update a driver with Windows XP?

A: If you have a computer such as a Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc (not a custom made computer) you would go to your manufacture's website submit information (such as the model of your computer) and the website will provide you with a list of all the drivers available for your computer.

If you have a custom made computer the drivers will more than likely be in the box you purchased the hardware in. For example the CD/floppy with your video card drivers would be included in the box the video card came with. On the off chance you do not possess the drivers go to manufacture's website. For example an Nvidia video card's driver would be in Nvidia's website. You will need to fill in information such as the make and model and you can download the driver from there.  

Q: How do I update a driver with an earlier version of Windows? (ex. 95, 98, ME)

A: Most of these drivers are extremely old and are not in the same supply as the more current XP and VISTA drivers. The best way to install these drivers is through the original disks (CD or Floppy) that came with the hardware. 

Q: Is it true Microsoft Windows VISTA loads all the drivers on it's own?

A: Yes, for the most part. When you hook up a new piece of hardware VISTA will automatically search the internet for the drivers. There are chances that VISTA will not find that specific driver or if you do not have internet connection you will have to retrieve the driver the old-fashioned way. Directions on how to manually download VISTA drivers are located in the answer to the question "How do I download/install a driver with Windows VISTA?"

 

Have a driver question you want to ask?
e-mail it to bob@rpccomputers.com 

Last Edited: 08/04/2009 11:48