Windows Vista Drivers
There is no problem with incompatibility with Vista and previous drivers, which vista has the most of all operating systems. If you want to keep your system, including drivers up to date, be sure to always perform the windows updates.
Device Manager
You’ll want to analyze the existing drivers on your PC before you proceed to any updates. This can be done from the device manager on your computer, which can be accessed from the control panel.
Look through the current devices and drivers on your PC to verify that there aren’t any issues (identified by the yellow exclamation). If there are any devices with the yellow exclamation next to them, check the properties dialog for any diagnosis.
Installing Drivers
You’ll want to make sure that your computer has the most current version of DirectX on it. If your
computer does not have the latest version, you can get it from the Microsoft website.
The chipset driver should always be the starting point when installing a new driver. They are a major player when it comes to the motherboard and the ensure proper compatibility between all of the other drivers on the computer. After the chipset drivers are installed, then you can move on to the other drivers like the video, sound, and network drivers.
Upgrading Drivers
Find the driver that you want to update when you get into the device manager and then click on it. Open up the properties menu for that driver and locate the Update option. Click it and then the hardware wizard will run which will initiate the process of updating the driver.
Rolling Back Drivers
If the new driver ever becomes erroneous, you have the option of rolling back to a prior version of the driver in question. To do so, go to the device manager, locate the device in question, and then open the device properties dialog. From there, select the Drivers tab and then Rollback drivers.
Device Drivers from CD
You may also be able to update the device drivers from a CD if your computer does not contain the drivers that you need, or you cannot access the internet in order to get the drivers you need. This is most common with printers. All you have to do if you want to run a driver update from a CD, just insert the CD into your disc drive and run the program on the CD. A wizard will run that can guide you through the process.
Why You Should Use Caution When You Download Drivers
If you know what you’re looking for, then you can look to the internet for the driver that you need. This can be a very quick and easy solution. Locate the manufacturer of the device in question and then locate their website where you will be able to find the driver(s) that you need. Be sure that you are familiar with the source of the driver download and that it is a legitimate website. This will help to make sure that you don’t get any viruses on your computer from bad websites.
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