Microsoft KB Archive/319908

= Information about hardware device drivers for Windows XP =

Article ID: 319908

Article Last Modified on 10/8/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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This article was previously published under Q319908



Introduction
If you recently upgraded to Windows XP, and a hardware device is not functioning correctly, or if your computer does not recognize a hardware device, the problem may be related to a device driver.

What is a device driver?

A device driver is software that controls computer hardware. Downloading and installing the latest device drivers frequently resolves hardware problems.



MORE INFORMATION
Here are some resources about how to use hardware and how to install device drivers in Windows XP.

If you are not using Windows XP yet
If you are not using Windows XP yet, we recommend that you visit the Upgrade Advisor. The Upgrade Advisor is a tool that checks your current hardware and software to determine whether your computer is ready for upgrading to Windows XP. If you run Upgrade Advisor while you are connected to the Internet, and if your computer requires updates that are available on the Windows Update Web site, Upgrade Advisor can find and install the updates for you. For more information about Upgrade Advisor, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

307726 Description of the Windows XP Upgrade Advisor

Check out the Windows Marketplace
Look at the Windows Marketplace Web site to see whether your hardware has passed the rigorous requirements for the &quot;Designed for Windows XP&quot; logo. This site also lists software, so it can be a very useful resource. If your hardware is not listed there, you must see whether you can find a suitable driver. But remember, it is a lot easier to line up your drivers before you start plugging everything in. Therefore, spend the time up front. To visit the Windows Marketplace Web site, click the following link:

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com

Microsoft Update
A great place to visit is the Microsoft Update Web site:

http://update.microsoft.com

Click Custom, and then click Hardware, Optional.

Note The Microsoft Update Web site scans your computer to determine what you have installed. It may prompt you to download software to your computer to make this process easier. If you are concerned about your privacy, read the Microsoft Update privacy statement that is available on the Microsoft Update Web site.

Microsoft Update automatically checks your computer and offers updates for your hardware. To turn on Automatic Updates, follow these steps:
 * 1) Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Security Center.
 * 2) Click Automatic Updates.
 * 3) In the Automatic Updates dialog box, click Automatic (recommended), and then click OK.

Contact the hardware manufacturer
Check the hardware manufacturer's Web site for updated drivers. Manufacturers frequently provide drivers that have not yet passed the &quot;Designed for Windows XP&quot; compatibility testing. Many manufacturers will even post beta drivers for public download. This can be a source for a driver if you are desperate, but remember that there is a reason they are still beta drivers--they have not been fully tested and can cause problems.

List of third-party Web sites
If your hardware is made by one of the following manufacturers, you may be able to find a driver on the manufacturer's Web site.  ATI Technologies, Inc.

http://ati.amd.com/

 Belkin Components

http://www.belkin.com

 Cirrus Logic Inc.

http://www.cirrus.com

 Compaq Computer Corporation

http://www5.compaq.com

 Dell Computer Corporation

http://www.dell.com/

 Digi International

http://www.digi.com

 Fujitsu

http://www.fujitsu.com

</li> Hewlett-Packard

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/eng/welcome.htm

</li> Intel Corporation

http://www.intel.com

</li> Mitsubishi

http://www.mitsubishi.com/e/index.html

</li> NEC Corporation

http://www.nec.com/index.html

</li> Sony Corporation

http://www.sony.com

</li> TallyGenicom

http://www.tallygenicom.com

</li> Texas Instruments

http://www.ti.com

</li> 3COM Corporation

http://www.3com.com

</li> Toshiba

http://www.toshiba.com

</li> U.S. Robotics

http://www.usr.com

</li></ul>

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

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