Microsoft KB Archive/142984

= How to Install New Hardware in Windows =

Article ID: 142984

Article Last Modified on 1/19/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 98 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 95

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This article was previously published under Q142984



SUMMARY
This article describes how to install new hardware for use in Windows. This article addresses the following topics:


 * Manufacturer-supplied drivers
 * Installing modems
 * Installing printers
 * Installing a CD-ROM or a Hard Disk
 * Troubleshooting problems with the Add New Hardware Wizard

NOTE: If you are running Windows Millennium Edition (Me), real mode support is not available.



Manufacturer-Supplied Drivers
To install a manufacturer-supplied driver, follow these steps:


 * 1) In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware.
 * 2) In Windows 95, click Next, click No, and then click Next.

In Windows 98, click Next, and then click Next again to search for plug and play devices. If the device you are installing is not found, click "No, the device isn't in the list," click Next, click "No, I want to select the hardware from a list," and then click Next.

NOTE: If Windows 98 finds your hardware when it searches for plug and play devices, click "Yes, the device is in the list," click the device in the list, click Next, and then click Finish. You do not have to provide a manufacturer-supplied driver.
 * 1) Click the type of hardware for which you are installing the driver, and then click Next.
 * 2) Click Have Disk.
 * 3) Type the path for the driver you are installing and click OK, or click Browse and locate the driver. You must type the path for or locate the Oemsetup.inf file from the manufacturer.
 * 4) In the dialog box listing the .inf file, click OK. Click OK to continue.
 * 5) Click the correct driver and then click OK.
 * 6) Click Finish.

NOTE: If the new hardware is Plug and Play-compatible, you will need to click Next and then click Finish.

Installing Modems
To install a new modem, follow these steps:


 * 1) In Control Panel, double-click Modems.
 * 2) If this is to be the first modem installed in the computer, the Install New Modem Wizard starts automatically. If not, click Add.
 * 3) If you want Windows to detect your modem, click Next. If not, click the "Don't detect my modem..." check box to select it, and then click Next.
 * 4) If you chose to have Windows detect your modem, Windows queries the serial ports on your computer looking for a modem. If Windows detects an incorrect modem, click Change, and select the appropriate manufacturer and model. Click Next, and then continue with step 7.
 * 5) If you chose to select your modem manually, click the appropriate manufacturer and model, and then click Next.
 * 6) Click the appropriate communications port, and then click Next.
 * 7) Click Finish.

Installing Printers
To install a new printer, follow these steps:


 * 1) Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
 * 2) Double-click Add Printer, and then click Next.
 * 3) Click Local Printer or Network Printer as appropriate, and then click Next.

If you click Network Printer, you are prompted for the network path for the printer. If you do not know the correct path, click Browse, or check with your network administrator. Click either Yes or No in the "Do you print from MS-DOS-based programs?" area, and then click Next.
 * 1) Click the appropriate manufacturer and model for your printer, and then click Next.
 * 2) If you chose to install a local printer, click the correct port and then click Next.
 * 3) Type a name for the printer (or accept the default name), and then click either Yes or No in the "Do you want your Windows-based programs to use this printer as the default printer?" area. Click Next.
 * 4) To print a test page, click Yes. Click Finish.

Installing a CD-ROM or a Hard Disk
Installing a new drive such as a CD-ROM or hard disk involves opening your computer case, and handling internal cables and wiring. Because of this, you should not try to install a CD-ROM or hard disk unless you are already very familiar with the process. For information about how to install a CD-ROM or hard disk, contact the manufacturer of the device, or view the documentation included with your device.

Troubleshooting Problems with the Add New Hardware Wizard
You may receive the following error message while installing new hardware:

The specified location does not contain information about your hardware.

This error can occur if you select an incorrect hardware type or the driver is not Windows 95 or Windows 98-compatible.

If the driver is not Windows 95 or Windows 98-compatible, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for installing the driver, or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

